A debut poetry collection titled ‘In the Language of Feathers’ by Pragya Sadhana Neog, a first-semester graduate student at Tezpur University’s English Department, was released on Sunday at DHSK College (Autonomous) in Dibrugarh.
Pragya Sadhana, a resident of Chiring Chapori in Dibrugarh, has been writing poetry since class six. During the launch, she emotionally acknowledged the encouragement of her parents, Indira Neog and Dharani Neog, whose support proved instrumental in her literary journey.
Dr Sashi Kanta Saikia, Principal of DHSK College while unveiling the book said, “Literature is the life-blood of a nation. Without literature, a nation’s identity, culture, language and history are lost in the course of time. There were many nations or civilisations that disappeared from the face of the earth because they could not preserve a written literature or a strong oral heritage of their own.”
Drawing comparisons between nations and nature, Dr Saikia elaborated, “If the nation is a tree, literature is its roots. If literature is strong, the nation will never be lost.” He emphasised that literature preserved language and culture, making it essential for national survival.
Expressing joy at witnessing growing literary activity among students, Dr Saikia cited historical examples. “World renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore, Laxminath Bezbarua of Assam, English poet John Keats, Alexander Pope, Lord Byron and others became famous in the world and pursued literature while they were students,” he noted, encouraging young writers to develop their passion early.
“A nation without literature is a dead nation,” Dr Saikia declared. “If you develop a special passion for poetry from childhood and continue that pursuit, you can be world famous in the future.”
Prominent writer Gaurika Baruah Ahmed described Pragya Sadhana as “a voice of the new generation,” while Sunil Rajkonwar, vice-president of Jyoti Chitraban, observed that “an atmosphere of literature and culture has been created at DHSK College.”
Dr Partha Ganguli, Vice-Principal of DHSK College, praised the young poet’s work and urged her to continue writing. Writer Basabi Hazarika Bhattacharya spoke about books and literature’s role in shaping society, while Romi Chakraborty moderated the proceedings.
The event was attended by Dr Madhumita Purkayastha, Head of DHSK College’s English Department, along with Utpala Borgohain from Dibrugarh University, BCPL engineer Juganta Gogoi, Tilak Mohan and numerous dignitaries from across Dibrugarh, making the launch a significant literary celebration.
