NONGPOH:
The Literary Forum of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) organised an interactive session ‘Meet the Author’, in collaboration with the Department of English & IQAC of the University, at the NKC Auditorium, on February 18, aiming to create an exposure for every student with a firsthand experience a better understanding of what goes into writing a short story or a novel and how to build the bridge between the inner and the outside world.
Renowned writer, translator, and columnist Mitra Phukan was the resource person for this most engaging literary session.
The session commenced with a toast to the guest, followed by a chorus performed by the students and a welcome address by Mitali Goswami, Head of the Department of English. Arkupal Ra Acharya and Sukanya Kashyap moderated a lively discussion on the art of writing.
Addressing the students, Phukan said writing to her is like catharsis, an expression, a reflection of what she sees and upon reflecting on her works, wherein she finds peace. Further, she compared creativity to a slog, stating that when Michelangelo was chiseling, it was a slog, but what turned later as a result is rather a history.
Enlightening the participants about translations and encouraging every student to engage at least once in creative translations that usher freedom and responsibility, she said, “It’s not merely writing that has creativity in it; the immense revisions have creativity too for it to bloom into such amazing pieces of work. Editing, too, is a result of creativity.”
While self-composed poems in Assamese and English by student poets of the department adorned the session, Mitra Phukan read a piece of her favourite character from her work, ‘A Full Night’s Thievery’. The session closed with a vote of thanks delivered by Kabita Ghosh.