GUWAHATI, Oct 10 � The literary festival going on at the Assam Engineering Institute ground here has provided an opportunity to the readers to interact with their favourite writers and poets.
Despite the weather playing spoilsport sometimes, it has not deterred the fans and writers from exchanging their views on a wide range of topics right to the developments in contemporary literature.
According to the Publication Board, Assam, the response of the readers has been very encouraging towards the seminars held on the occasion. Significantly, the arrangements this time have attracted more visitors to the seminars.
On Tuesday evening, fans here got an opportunity to interact with one of the most powerful writers of today, Nabaneeta Dev Sen. A versatile Bengali writer, Sen�s short stories and novels ranging from the poignant to the humorous are immensely popular with the readers of the State because of the thematic variation and presentation technique. Equally popular in the academia, Sen has endeared herself to the readers with her spontaneity and unique style.
While interacting with her fans here, Sen expressed her love for Guwahati and her happiness on being present at the Guwahati Book Fair and Literary Festival.
Earlier in the day, readers listened to their favourite poets exchanging views on contemporary Assamese poetry. This seminar was inaugurated by poet and critic Bhaben Baruah who, in his speech, stressed the importance of poetry in life and literature.
Baruah said that poetry is related to emotions and if its importance is ignored, human beings will forget the significance of the heart.
On the other hand, another participant Meera Thakur said that the source of poetry is the heart that is always filled with emotions. �The emotions of the heart when expressed through pen take the shape of poetry,� she said, adding that poetry bestows the wealth of truth and beauty on those pursuing it.
Another participant Bhabani Prasad Adhikari said that everyone who can read poetry are poets in their hearts.
