Foothill Notes 2
Many of the participants in the first chapter have come back to the following years too as a testimony to the success of the event. The second edition of Foothill Notes was organised from 9-10th December 2023. Ngangom and Hazarika were joined by the legendary poet and novelist Mamang Dai from Arunachal Pradesh. The Gangtok-based poet Guru T. Ladakhi and Kalimpong-based non-fiction writer Sandip C. Jain were among the others. The first day saw a vibrant open mic that was curated by Lekha Rai, through prior submission and selection. About 10 young poets recited their poetry to a packed audience comprising both experienced and emerging authors. There were readings by visiting authors like Dai and Ngangom. A conversation with poet Ngangom was anchored by Lekha Rai. The second day was packed with sessions on a wide range of topics. Anuradha Sharma moderated a panel discussion on voices from the margins with Mamang Dai and Dhruba Hazarika. Satyadeep Chhetri and Sandip C Jain were in conversation with each other on non-fiction writing coming out from this region. Sanjay Josse, script writer from Kalimpong in conversation with Aalmist Subba, the actor-director of the Nepali film Jeeudo from Mirik and Amir Gurung, the actor-Director of Myth from Sikkim who spoke on the status of film-making in the Eastern Himalayas. Musical performances by local western vocalists peppered the two days.
