Assam: Ranjit Sarma’s Much-Awaited Novel The Tents Launched
Beyond cinema, he has written plays for stage and radio, and a novelette titled Amithabhar Janma Mritu.
GUWAHATI ( ByPrantik Deka )- Celebrated Assamese screenplay writer Ranjit Sarma, known for his acclaimed collaborations in Assamese cinema, unveiled his latest literary work The Tents at a grand book launch event held at the Guwahati Press Club recently.
From Screenplay to Literature
Ranjit Sarma has established himself as one of Assam’s most respected screenwriters, having worked on several award-winning films including Bidyut Chakraborty’s Rag-Birag and Nisiddha Nadi, Manju Bora’s Baibhav and Anya Ek Jatra, Sanjeev Hazorika’s Mimangsa, and Hemanta Kumar Das’s Othello. Beyond cinema, he has written plays for stage and radio, and a novelette titled Amithabhar Janma Mritu.
About The Tents
The novel revolves around Alex Goldsmith, an Assamese Christian navigating the turmoil of India’s partition, who becomes entwined with Suren Bora, a passionate extremist, and Mohini Thapa, Suren’s beloved.
The narrative explores themes of insurgency, rebellion, and human resilience:
Alex is thrust into violence as he assassinates a police squad leader.
Suren rises to deputy commander-in-chief of a rebel army, only to fall at the hands of his own comrades.
Mohini, caught in captivity, is forced to kill the commander-in-chief, while Alex ultimately rescues her amidst the rebels’ surrender.
The book vividly revisits Assam’s insurgency era, weaving history with human drama.
The Launch Event
The function was attended by a galaxy of eminent personalities, including:
- Bhaskar Phukan – writer and literary critic
- Aparajita Lahkar – noted quizzer
- Alex Thomas – social activist
Economist and mentor Dilip Sarma presented a critical review of the book, urging Millennials and Gen Z to read The Tents for a deeper understanding of Assam’s socio-political history.
Nupur Boruah felicitated the guests, while Divik Bhattacharjee hosted the evening.
Readers’ Reception
Speaking at the event, Ranjit Sarma expressed hope that his novel would resonate with younger readers and encourage them to reflect on Assam’s turbulent past. Attendees, including friends, relatives, and literary enthusiasts, hailed the book as a bold and compelling addition to Assamese literature.
The Tents is now available at leading bookstores and online platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart.
