Guwahati, Dec 13: The Pragjyotishpur Literary Festival 2024 officially commenced on Friday, December 13, at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati. The three-day festival, which will run until December 15, brings together prominent figures from literature, culture, and intellectual circles to celebrate India’s rich heritage and engage in discussions on contemporary issues.

The opening ceremony featured Dr. Malini Goswami, former Vice-Chancellor of Assam Women’s University, as the chief guest. Economist and journalist Swaminathan Gurumurthy delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need for educational reforms and a shift in India’s intellectual framework. Classical music artist Vidyasagar presented a soulful Borgeet performance, and Lt. General (Retd.) Rana Pratap Kalita, President of the Sankaradeva Education and Research Foundation, presided over the event.

Among the distinguished attendees were writer Tarun Boro, chairperson of the organizing committee, Prof. Smriti Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of Pragjyotishpur University, and special guests J. Sai Deepak, lawyer-author, and Professor Anand Ranganathan from JNU.

This year’s theme, ‘In Search of Roots’, explores India’s intellectual and cultural traditions, as stated in the press release. Lt. General Kalita honored the legacy of Mahabir Lachit and stressed the importance of preserving historical narratives. Dr. Goswami reflected on the evolution of Assamese literature and its significance in the broader context of Indian culture.

Swaminathan Gurumurthy, in his keynote address, critiqued Western views on India’s progress, urging a shift toward an educational system that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. The first day also featured lectures by J. Sai Deepak, Anand Ranganathan, and historian-economist Sanjeev Sanyal.

Over the next two days, the festival will host discussions and workshops on topics such as the role of technology in preserving cultural heritage, the influence of the Brahmaputra River on Assam, the evolution of journalism, and the impact of cinema on societal values.