Shillong | Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the sixth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival at Ward’s Lake, bringing together writers, artists and literary enthusiasts to celebrate books, ideas and creative expression.

Looking back at the festival’s journey over the past six years, Sangma said an initiative that began with a vision and considerable uncertainty had gradually developed into an important platform for promoting literature, creativity and intellectual exchange.

He said the festival was part of the state government’s broader effort to create opportunities for young people to discover their abilities, express themselves and interact with creative minds from different parts of the world.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the event would gradually expand to other cities in Meghalaya and secure wider recognition on international platforms in the coming years. The inaugural session also featured the release of books authored by Daniel Challam, Rudy Warjri, Sanjoy Hazarika, Yadawanka Pala, Streamlet Dkhar and Bijoya Sawian.

Extending his best wishes to the authors, artists, organisers and participants, Sangma said he hoped the festival would continue to encourage young people to explore literature and creativity and develop a lasting interest in reading and ideas.

The sixth edition of the festival marks another step in Meghalaya’s efforts to strengthen its literary and cultural platforms and provide a space for writers and creative voices to engage with a wider audience.