Aizawl: Mizoram is gearing up to host its first-ever literature festival, LEI, organized by The Book Café, Aizawl, in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi. The two-day event, set to take place from October 17 to 18, 2024, promises to bring together literary voices from across the state and the country in a celebration of Mizoram’s literary and cultural heritage.
Vanlalruata Ralte, chairman of the organizing committee and proprietor of the Book Café, said the festival aims to create a platform for both emerging and established writers to share their work while fostering meaningful conversations. “For this we have seasoned writers from across the country who are published by publishing houses such as Penguin, Harper Collins, Hatchett, Speaking Tiger, Bloomsbury, Zubaan and Sahitya Akedemi publications,” he told EastMojo.
According to the festival’s concept note, many of the issues facing this young state with deep-rooted traditions and heritage are reflected in its literature. A majority of Mizo authors write in their own language, producing groundbreaking novels, short stories, and non-fiction works, particularly focused on the Rambuai period, a troubled chapter in the state’s history. The note highlights that Rambuai literature has become a recognized genre in Mizo writing. Although Mizo is not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, it is recognized as a language of national importance by the Sahitya Akademi.
Despite the proliferation of literary work in the state, Mizo authors remain largely unknown outside of Mizoram due to the lack of translations into other languages, including English and Hindi. To address this gap and celebrate the rich literary tradition of the state, the Mizoram Literature Festival, LEI, is being organized for the first time. The festival title, LEI, holds multiple meanings in the Mizo language, symbolizing the multifaceted approach the festival aims to take.
The festival aspires to be Mizoram’s premier literary and cultural event, reviving an appreciation for literature, particularly among the youth, in the face of social challenges. Its key objectives include celebrating the power of words and creativity, showcasing literary diversity from Mizoram and across India, and fostering conversations between established and emerging writers, poets, filmmakers, cultural activists, and performers. Additionally, it aims to create a platform for free-flowing discussions on life, literature, and contemporary issues.
The program will feature curated sessions with 25 writers and performers, both Mizo and non-Mizo, engaging in discussions, readings, and debates. There will be poetry readings accompanied by live performances by Mizo artists and musicians, and intimate “Café Poetry” sessions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet celebrated authors during “Meet the Author” sessions, followed by book signings. Special sessions on publishing, writing, and pitching will be conducted by literary agents and editors. The event will also include stalls for publishers, books, food, handicrafts, and handloom products.
Among the prominent literary figures set to attend are Dr. KS Rao, Secretary of Sahitya Akademi; Ravi Singh, publisher and co-founder of Speaking Tiger Books; award-winning novelists Mamang Dai and Jerry Pinto; and academicians like Prof. Joy L.K. Pachuau, Prof. Margaret Ch. Zama, and Prof. Margaret L. Pachuau. Well-known writers such as Shinie Antony, Avinuo Kire, Dhruba Hazarika, Mmhonlumo Kikon, and Samrat Choudhury will also participate, alongside Mizoram’s own established and upcoming voices, including Vanneihtluanga, B. Vanlalzari, C. Lalawmpuia Vanchiau, and many others.
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