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Dibrugarh University’s LitFest: Where Africa Takes Center Stage

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Dibrugarh, Feb 5: If you want to know about African literature and culture, head to Dibrugarh University in Assam. The second edition of the Dibrugarh University Literature Festival (DU LitFest) opened on February 5 with a vibrant celebration of African literature and culture, spotlighting the voices of writers from across the continent.

Held at the Rang Ghar auditorium in Dibrugarh, the four-day literary extravaganza features over 120 renowned novelists, poets, critics, and storytellers representing 25 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Dibrugarh University's LitFest: Where Africa Takes Center Stage

This year, with Africa as the central theme, the festival has become a unique platform to celebrate the diverse narratives and creative expressions emerging from the continent. The inaugural session titled “It’s Time for Africa: Perspectives on the Continent, People, and Literature” set the tone for meaningful discussions on African literature’s evolving role on the global stage.

The highlight of the opening day was a captivating keynote address by 84-year-old explorer-writer Tete-Michel Kpomassie from Togo, West Africa. Kpomassie shared the remarkable journey that took him from his homeland to the icy terrains of Greenland. His eight-year odyssey, filled with challenges and cultural exchanges, was documented in his critically acclaimed book An African in Greenland. With humour and insight, he recounted his early misconceptions about the word “igloo,” which in Greenland simply means “house” rather than a structure made of ice. “Travel teaches you context,” he emphasized, urging young writers to remain open to diverse cultural experiences.

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Dibrugarh University Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Jiten Hazarika, in his welcome address, expressed pride in the festival’s African focus and highlighted its alignment with the National Education Policy 2022, which emphasizes the integration of arts and culture in academia. He also noted the university’s recent achievement of Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) status under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

Sahitya Akademi Award winner and former professor of Dibrugarh University Dr Nagen Saikia referred to the classic drama “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett to explain his point of how god in various prominent religions remains an invisible character.

Saikia also drove home the point that “inner human being is still working” amid the drastic materialistic changes in the outer world.

The festival’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange was evident in a documentary on Africa created by students and faculty of Dibrugarh University. The film showcased the continent’s rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and social diversity, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of Africa’s multifaceted identity.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, African students currently pursuing studies at the university delivered a scintillating cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance. Their vibrant showcase captivated the audience and underscored the importance of global cultural dialogues.

VB Pyarelal, a FOCAL managing trustee and former bureaucrat, urged students to seize the opportunity to learn from the over 50 sessions scheduled during the event. “Let this festival be a bridge that connects continents through literature and shared experiences,” he said.

FOCAL trustees, including acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Baruah, eminent writer Dhruba Hazarika, and festival chief coordinator Rahul Jain, reiterated the festival’s vision of fostering global literary conversations.

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