Meghalaya listing document a much needed intervention: Author Sanjoy Hazarika at Shillong Lit Fest

A man of many parts, all of which he has excelled in, Sanjoy Hazarika too felt that the Shillong Lit Fest was a much needed intervention.

Hazarika, who is a former journalist has travelled extensively through the North East and neighbouring countries felt the fest was an opportunity for people of the North East.

“It gives an opportunity to people from the city, the state and the region to communicate what they are most interested in, what they write about and what they believe in. The audience too is not only from Shillong but from other parts of the country. It’s important that groups share their views through various media about issues that concern them,” informed Sanjoy.

Hazarika who was a part of the first discussion on listing of historical buildings in the state felt that it was something that everyone who was concerned about history should be interested in. the fact that some 300 odd buildings not just in Shillong but in various parts of the state have been listed as buildings of cultural and historical importance is very significant,” he felt.

He further wished that these buildings should be properly maintained.

“I am privileged to live in one of these listed buildings (an Assam type bungalow). There are problems in maintaining these structures as it is difficult to replace parts. People sometimes eschew this maintenance and prefer modern buildings. I feel the government should lend a helping hand (central or state) as many owners need financial help. These can be maintained as a heritage and legacy of their ancestors of Shillong,” said Hazarika.

In his writing, he said that his biggest learnings have been while travelling. He said he went to places like Myanmar, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka among others as part of his journalistic endeavours and always tried to understand the local nuances.

Hazarika, who has written a travelogue on the Brahmaputra River, said the book was to be released next year.