New Delhi [India], May 15: In a proud moment for Indian literature and Northeast India’s cultural community, acclaimed poet and literary figure Sankha Subhra Devbarman is set to represent India at the prestigious 4th International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) 2026, scheduled to be held from June 3 to June 7, 2026, in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
The globally recognized literary festival will mark the grand opening of the centennial celebrations commemorating 100 years of the iconic Jam Gadang Clock Tower, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated heritage landmarks, often compared to London’s famous Big Ben. The event is expected to bring together over 250 writers, poets, researchers, thinkers, artists, and cultural ambassadors from more than 30 countries, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most influential literary gatherings.
This year’s festival revolves around the international theme, “100 Years of Jam Gadang – From Literacy to Legacy: Building Wealth, Peace, and Sustainability Learning.” Through literature, cultural dialogue, and academic exchange, the festival aims to promote global peace, sustainability, and intercultural understanding.
Sankha Subhra Devbarman, known for his impactful literary contributions and representation of Northeast India’s rich cultural identity, will participate in the highly anticipated World Poetry Parade beneath the historic 26-meter-tall Jam Gadang Clock Tower Plaza. He will also join international seminars, literary discussions, and cultural forums focused on heritage preservation, peace-building, and the role of literature in connecting societies across borders.
According to the organizers and Bukittinggi City Administration, the festival is designed not only as a literary celebration but also as a major international cultural movement aimed at strengthening global intellectual and artistic collaboration.
Following the conclusion of the festival, the city will host a two-week cultural carnival featuring Southeast Asian film festivals, heritage parades, traditional art exhibitions, and academic forums, further establishing Bukittinggi as an emerging global center of cultural literacy and heritage tourism.
Devbarman’s participation at IMLF 2026 marks a significant international recognition for Northeast Indian literature and highlights India’s growing cultural presence on the global literary stage.
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