3rd Brahmaputra Literary Festival 2019 -The World of Words

I personally believe the best way to connect with people is writing, write what you see, feel and what you want to read as a reader in books.

Reading new books, writing my thoughts in words and volunteering for different events are my hobbies.I love to meet new people, learning new things and then connecting all the dots together in my writing gives me satisfaction.This year I volunteered for the 3^rd Brahmaputra Literary Festival 2019 held in Shankardev Kalakhetra from 9^th January to 11^th January. The main aim of the event was to promote the habit of reading among the youths. The festival brought together prominent personalities from the North-East and as well as National and International writers, thinkers, celebrities, artists etc.

When  I came to know I was chosen for assisting one of the famous writers from Indonesia, Jakarta Dee Lestari, I was speechless. Already I had gone through her biography and that encouraged me the most. On 10^th of January I met her in person; her husband Dr. Rezagunawan also accompanied us. As she was the guest author in the event after attending her session I asked her about the secret behind her brilliant writing skills .

“Priyanka, always write what a reader wants to read. Writing is a skill, the more you will write; the more you learn.” She replied. I must say these two lines by her had a great impact on me. She also discussed about different techniques we should follow while writing and encouraged me to pursue my dream.

“ Don’t stop dreaming and playing with your words; I am definitely waiting for your book next year.” Her comments gave me Goosebumps. The best part of this experience was knowing a writer from outside India who has  written aboutmighty river Brahmaputra in her first book “Supernova”. She asked me about the sunset view of the river as she wanted to witness it in real. That was her first wish in Guwahati.

“Please  I want to see the sunset view with Reza for once and relive the moment , if you can manage ..do the favour to us.” That innocent pleading....

The valley view point of Uzanbazar and one hour in Alfresco  Grand must have fulfilled her wishes I believe. I was successful in letting her go back with good memories and fulfilling one of her desires from her wish list. The day before returning to Jakarta,  she was sharing her experience on Guwahati during the 3 day tour. The sunset view, the gorgeous Assamese people, and our colourful culture mainly the attires; the way BLF team had welcomed them & specially the Assamese food in Kharika they loved devoured.

She gifted me one of her book “Paperboat” & asked me to share my opinion on the book. She said Jakarta youths loved the book, but wasn’t sure about the Indian youth’s taste.She was assured by my reviews as I said this book will be one of my favourites. I requested her to make the book available in Indian book fair too. In this virtual world the youth is mainly attracted to social media more. But reading a new book is always like “ you want to finish the book; but you don’t want the book to be finished”. I believe every booklover has the same story as mine. It gives you a best friend, knowledge more genuine then google, enjoyment that no social media can give.

This experience is and will be always  closed to my heart & I want to share one of my favourite line from the book “Paperboat” with you all.

“ Maybe we do have to become something we are not; so that we can be ourselves one day!!”

-Dee Lestari.

PRIYANKA DEKA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION & JOURNALISM.

GAUHATI UNIVERSITY.