The third edition of The White Owl Literature Festival & Book Fair 2026 commenced on February 5 at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by The Park, Chümoukedima, organized by Penguin Random House India in collaboration with The White Owl, under the theme “Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds.” The inaugural program featured Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, as chief guest, who emphasized the vital role of reading in shaping identity in the digital age and encouraged parents to promote reading over screen time.
Longkumer praised the festival’s founder and expressed a desire for the initiative to reach all corners of Nagaland and beyond, fostering storytelling and cultural exchange. Keynote speaker Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, President of the Press Club of India, shared the festival’s origins as a means to connect local readers with national and regional authors, thus creating a vibrant literary community amidst the region’s conflicts. She highlighted the festival’s role in promoting intellectual growth and supporting local economies through tourism and showcasing local culture.
Pisharoty also underscored the significance of English writing and translation in expanding access to regional literature and preserving narratives through journalism. Festival director Viketuno Rio articulated the festival’s role in fostering empathy, critical thinking, and community engagement, alongside social initiatives like the “Run for Persons with Disabilities.” The inaugural program concluded with highlights including a poetry recital by Sonali, a visually impaired participant, demonstrating the festival’s inclusive spirit and commitment to diverse literary voices.
