Byatikram’s International Writer’s Meet successfully completed
Guwahati, Rongili Barta- Byatikram MASDO successfully hosted the second edition of the “Byatikram International Writer’s Meet 2023” in Guwahati from November 16th to 19th, marking a four-day celebration of literature and cultural exchange. The event witnessed the participation of distinguished poets and writers from nine countries worldwide. Prominent Poets and Writers from abroad such as Ahmed Al-Shahway (Egypt), Dr. Malachi Edwin Vethamani (Malaysia), Jona Burghardt (Argentina), Maja Panajotova (Bulgaria), Shastri Bakry & Amri Rivani (Indonesia), Sofya Yechina (Russia), Tobias Burghardt (Germany), and Mohammad Aminur Rahman (Bangladesh) graced the occasion. Additionally, notable Indian writers like Dr. Reshma Ramesh, Shankh Shubra Devbarman, Ashok Chakraborty, Lipika Modi, and others added to the diverse literary presence. The inaugural day, held at Hotel Vivanta, Khanapara, featured an introduction to the global poets, with the ceremony inaugurated by Dr. Rita Chowdhury, a prominent Assamese writer. The event was attended by prominent writers of Assam like Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati Ruhul Amin; Eminent Filmmaker & Social Activist Shankar Lall Goenka; Poet & Novelist Manikuntala Bhattacharya; Area Director of Vivanat Group Jayanta Das, Cluster Director NE, Sales & DOS Debojyoti Basak; DGM of SIDBI Pradip Kumar Nath, Writer Susmita Nath, Mita Das Purkayastha, Chandrima Shyam and Mangala Bhattacharya. Special felicitations were presented by Jeevan Ram Mungi Devi Goenka Public Charitable Trust, honoring each poet and writer with a memento. Aminur Rahman, a renowned writer from Bangladesh, expressed delight, emphasizing the close ties between Assam and Bangladesh. The second day at Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti showcased cultural performances and literary discussions. Dr. Diganta Halder, the Principal, highlighted the event’s contribution to building relations and fostering international literary connections. Egyptian writer Ahmed Al Shahawy praised Assam’s diverse culture, while Maja Panajotova from Bulgaria and Amri Rivani from Indonesia lauded Assam’s scenic beauty and vibrant culture. The third day unfolded at Cotton University and Dispur College, promoting literary engagement and cultural exchange. Shastri Bakry from Indonesia praised Assam’s warm hospitality. The evening at the Guwahati Artists’ Guild brought together foreign writers, fostering dialogue on poetry and cultural nuances. Along with that German writer Tobias Burghardt and Argentina writer Jona Burghardt said that, “They were immensely pleased with all the love they received and it will always remain alive in their minds and heart”. Russian writer Poet and Artist Sofya Yechina, said that , “I feel honored and immensely pleased with all the love we received from Guwahati, Assam, and I will always cherish it”. The concluding day on November 19 featured a valedictory program at Hotel Landmark, where Dr. Saumen Bharatiya, President of Byatikram MASDO, expressed gratitude for fostering connections with Assam and the global literary community. The commitment to providing a platform for writers each year was reiterated, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and promoting cultural exchange. Notably, Shankh Shubhra Devbarman, the acclaimed poet and novelist from Tripura, underscored the significance of literary programs in fostering the overall development of the North East region. He emphasized their role in connecting the outer world through tourism. The program was supported by NERIM Group of Institutions, Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Guwahati, Dr. Paul’s Advanced Hair and Skin Solutions, etc.