Dibrugarh University Lit Fest Kicks-off with 150 Authors from 25 Nations

Dibrugarh University Lit Fest Kicks-off with 150 Authors from 25 Nations

Dibrugarh University Lit Fest Kicks-off with 150 Authors from 25 Nations

The mist-covered landscapes of Upper Assam have transformed into a vibrant global stage for intellectual exchange as the third edition of the Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival (DUILF) officially kicked off. Organised in collaboration with the Foundation for Culture, Arts and Literature (FOCAL), this four-day celebration of the written word has already drawn thousands to its sprawling campus, proving that the appetite for diverse, cross-cultural narratives is stronger than ever.

This year’s festival is a gargantuan undertaking, hosting over 150 authors from 25 countries. While the event celebrates the richness of Indian and Assamese letters, its primary lens for 2026 is focused on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By bringing global perspectives from Cairo to Casablanca to the heart of Dibrugarh, the festival is fostering a unique dialogue that bridges the gap between the Brahmaputra and the Mediterranean.

A Captivating Start

The festival was formally inaugurated by the acclaimed Indian author Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, who served as the Chief Guest. His presence set a tone of regional pride balanced with international curiosity. The momentum was immediate; the opening two days alone witnessed an overwhelming footfall of over 4,000 visitors. With the festival expected to draw a total of 10,000 participants by its conclusion, the energy on the ground is palpable.

The inaugural sessions were carefully curated to challenge local perceptions and introduce global complexities. Talmiz Ahmad, the former Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, chaired a vital session titled “The Middle East and North Africa: Within and Without,” providing deep geopolitical and cultural insights into the region. Meanwhile, the world of Korean letters was explored through the eyes of the renowned author Kyung-sook Shin, highlighting the festival’s commitment to diverse Asian narratives.

Exploring Identity and the Environment

As the festival moved into its second day, the conversations shifted towards more intimate and regional themes. A highlight included the session “Tea, Love and War: Searching for English Roots in Assam,” which featured the critically acclaimed English novelist David Mitchell in conversation with Ann Poyser. This discussion resonated deeply with the local audience, given Dibrugarh’s own historical identity as the “Tea City of India.”

The social and environmental dimensions of literature were not neglected. Writer Sopan Joshi engaged students in a compelling dialogue about “Jal, Thal, and Mal,” focusing on the urgent environmental issues of water and waste. These sessions underscore DUILF’s mission: to ensure literature is not just an ivory-tower pursuit but a practical tool for making sense of our changing world.

Anticipation for the Grand Finale

With the first half of the festival concluded, anticipation is building for the final two days, which promise to tackle even more sensitive and pressing societal issues. Rahul Jain, the festival’s Curator and Chief Coordinator, expressed his delight at the “meaningful conversations” sparked by the students and enthusiasts thus far.

Upcoming sessions are set to explore the “intergenerational novel” with authors like Shahla Ujayli and Shubnum Khan, as well as deep-dives into politics and security with journalist Ghazala Wahab. One of the most anticipated segments is “Red Means Stop,” a session featuring actor Vasundhara and government official Simala Prasad that will confront the harrowing realities of human trafficking.

The festival will culminate in a day dedicated to the complexities of modern Assamese literature and the universal quest for identity. From the poetry of Yuliya Musakovska to discussions on the “UPSC Dream” with IAS officer Sajjan Yadav, the closing day reflects the diverse aspirations of the youth in North East India.

As DUILF enters its final stages, it has already established itself as more than just a regional event. It is a vital node in the global literary network, proving that even in the most remote corners of the world, the power of a shared story can connect 25 nations in a single, four-day breath.

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