A recently released novel that has been creating considerable excitement among readers is ‘The Tents’, written by Assam’s renowned screenplay writer Ranjit Sarma. Sarma’s collaborations as a screenwriter with several other esteemed filmmakers have culminated in numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning films, including Bidyut Chakraborty’s ‘Rag-Birag’ and ‘Nisiddha Nadi’, Manju Bora’s ‘Baibhav’ and ‘Anya Ek Jatra’, Sanjeev Hazorika’s ‘Mimangsa’ as well as Hemanta Kumar Das’s ‘Othello’, among others. His intellectually stimulating works have solidified his status as a prominent screenwriter within the contemporary Assamese cinematic sphere. In addition to his Assamese novelette titled ‘Amithabhar Janma Mritu’, Sarma authored a variety of plays for both radio and stage.
The recent book launch event at the Guwahati Press Club not only marked the introduction of a highly anticipated literary work but also served as a dynamic forum that brought together diverse perspectives from the literary and social spheres of Assam. The event was attended by the author, Ranjit Sarma, along with distinguished guests, including the prominent writer and literary critic Bhaskar Phukan, noted quizzer Aparajita Lahkar, and Alex Thomas, a renowned social activist.
The central figure in the novel ‘The Tents’ is an Assamese Christian named Alex Goldsmith, who embarks on an odyssey alongside Suren Bora, a fervent extremist, and Mohini Thapa, Suren’s beloved, as Alex grapples with the heartache of India’s partition, while Suren passionately advocates for the dismantling of the state apparatus through a communist upheaval. Destiny transforms Alex into the assassin of the special police squad leader, while Suren ascends to the role of deputy commander-in-chief of a rebel army; Mohini, a captive within the rebel camp, is compelled to assassinate Pallab Bhuyan, the commander-in-chief of the rebel forces, after Suren meets his demise at the hands of the rebels; lost in a haze of aimlessness, the rebels ultimately capitulate, and Alex heroically rescues Mohini from the chaos of the surrender ceremony.
During the function, Nupur Boruah extended felicitations to the guests, while Divik Bhattacharjee served as the master of ceremonies. Dilip Sarma, an economist and self-leadership mentor, provided a comprehensive and insightful evaluation of the book. He concluded his review by urging both Millennials and Generation Z to read the book in order to grasp Assam’s history during the insurgency era. All attendees are optimistic about the book receiving a favourable reception from readers. Ranjit Sarma is optimistic that his book will resonate with the younger audience. The gathering was also joined by the author’s acquaintances, relatives, and other attendees. The book can be purchased at various retail locations as well as on Amazon and Flipkart.