5th Ziro Literary Festival Launches with Vibrant Outdoor Celebration of Art and Ideas
The 5th Ziro Literary Festival (ZLF) officially opened its doors on September 24 at Saint Claret College, Ziro (SCCZ) in the picturesque Lower Subansiri district. This year’s two-day festival, themed “Celebrating Creativity for All,” is a collaborative effort involving SCCZ, PWLO Entertainment, and the Lower Subansiri district administration, and it coincides with the popular Ziro Festival of Music.
In a unique twist, this edition marks the festival’s first outdoor setting, creating an invigorating environment for attendees. The schedule is packed with engaging panel discussions, workshops, and talks aimed at inspiring students and nurturing intellectual exploration.
During the opening ceremony, Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Vivek HP lauded the festival’s role in fostering creativity and providing a platform for youth to delve into literature, arts, and culture. He encouraged participants to immerse themselves fully in the event, highlighting its significance in developing young talent.
The festival kicked off with a thought-provoking talk by Urvashi Butalia, focusing on “Changing the Narrative on Women’s Writing and Publishing.” This was followed by an exciting conversation between Appupen and Anand Ramachandran, examining the intriguing blend of comics and gaming. A panel discussion titled “All Things Gaming: Storytelling, Design, Development, and the Future,” featuring Anand Ramachandran and Loyievi Vikennao and moderated by Sameer Pitalwalla, addressed the gaming industry’s transformative effect on narrative structures.
A moving session led by the Teesta Troupers, moderated by Karma Paljor, centered on overcoming challenges, celebrating the resilience of artists from smaller towns. The day’s vibrant atmosphere concluded with a poetry reading by Siddhartha Menon and captivating performances from Saniya MQ and the Teesta Troupers.
In the lead-up to the festival, SCCZ organized workshops focusing on storytelling, poetry, and filmmaking, further enriching the artistic capabilities of students. The festival continues to provide a dynamic platform for creative expression, celebrating the power of literature and the arts in a communal setting.
