Guwahati, 2 July, 2026: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal launched two novels by noted Assamese author Arup Kumar Dutta at a literary event held here today. The books unveiled during the event were Leaves No Longer Green, published by HarperCollins India, and The Beg, published by Assam Book Hive. The programme was organised to coincide with Dutta's birthday. The event was attended by Royal Global University Vice Chancellor Alak Buragohain, former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha Kuladhar Saikia, Executive Editor of The Assam Tribune Ramanuj Dutta Choudhury, Assam Sishu Sahitya Nyas President Hrishikesh Goswami, along with readers, writers and members of the media.
Addressing the gathering, Sonowal underscored the importance of cultivating reading habits among young people, saying that literature nurtures critical thinking, empathy and cultural confidence. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of India emerging as a “Vishwaguru” can only be realised by a generation that values books, learns from history and engages with ideas.
Speaking about Leaves No Longer Green, Sonowal described it as a powerful historical novel that uncovers the brutal realities hidden behind Assam's lush tea gardens during the 1860s. Sonowal said the novel chronicles the exploitation, bonded labour and suffering endured by thousands of workers lured to the plantations under false promises.
"The novel goes far beyond the picturesque landscape of Assam's tea gardens to reveal a compelling story of exploitation, greed, rebellion, love, betrayal and extraordinary human resilience. As the narrative unfolds, every turning point leads readers toward an unexpected and deeply moving climax, where even the green tea leaves seem stained by human sacrifice, suffering and blood. It is not merely the story of a tea estate, but a poignant record of a forgotten chapter in Assam's history and of the silent struggles of countless ordinary people,"
Sarbananda Sonowal said. Referring to The Beg, Sonowal said the novel offers an objective and deeply human exploration of insurgency in Northeast India. "The novel presents a balanced examination of Assam's long history of insurgency while delving into the emotional and psychological journey of a militant with remarkable sensitivity. Readers are certain to experience a powerful range of emotions, confronting both the tragedy and the harsh realities of conflict. The Beg is undoubtedly one of the most significant contemporary novels on insurgency to emerge from Northeast India," Sonowal said. The organisers noted that both novels examine the human consequences of violence and conflict, underscoring the idea that no side ultimately emerges as the6 true victor. Through nuanced characters and compelling storytelling, Dutta presents deeply personal accounts of loss, resilience and the enduring search for humanity amid turmoil.
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