Kohima based author Avinuo Kire (second from left) at a panel during the 2017 Brooklyn Book Festival held recently in New York city.
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 24 (MExN): Kohima based author Avinuo Kire participated at this year’s 2017 Brooklyn Book Festival, one of America’s premier literary festivals and one of the largest free literary events in the world.
She took part as the lone International Author representing India at the festival’s International stage on the main Festival Day i.e., September 17 at Borough Hall Media Room, Brooklyn, New York.
She spoke in a panel with the topic—‘The Far Reaches of the Empire: Religion, Rebels and Railroad’, which included acclaimed authors Peter Kimani from Kenya and Naivo from Madagascar. The discussion was moderated by Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, Director of Public Programs at PEN, America.
Avinuo Kire has published three books—The Power to Forgive and Other Stories, Where Wildflowers Grow, and Naga Heritage Centre: People Stories – Volume One, which she co wrote.
Kire during the course of discussion spoke on the politics of writing, with specific reference to Nagaland’s unique history which is inextricably linked to its politics. She also highlighted the necessity of Naga writers to construct their stories based upon their unique world view and not around a European or ‘Bollywood’ model.
She said India was a country of multiple narratives and thus stressed upon the importance of minority groups to share their stories. This, Kire said, can be an effective means of connecting cultures and integrating people in a country with such diversity as India.
The panel of authors held discussions on the European Imperial Project and its far reaching effects on ordinary lives which reverberates even to this day.
Aside from local writers, this year’s slate of authors included representations from nations and cultures the world over.
Presenting an array of national and international literary stars and emerging authors, the Brooklyn Book Festival includes a week of Bookend Events from September 11 to 17, throughout New York City, a lively Children’s Day and a celebratory Festival Day (17th September) with authors, publishers and booksellers in a vibrant Literary Marketplace.
Extraordinary authors have graced the festival stages including Margaret Atwood, Pete Hamill, Jhumpa Lahiri, Russell Banks, Salman Rushdie, Karl Ove Knausgaard and Walter Mosley, in addition to significant emerging and mid-career authors. The festival has received enthusiastic media coverage in such publications as the New York Times, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal as well as WNYC Radio. Additional information about the Brooklyn Book Festival can be found at the festival website www.brooklynbookfestival.org.
