Dibrugarh, Aug 2: Amid the devastating floods that have affected large parts of Upper Assam, Doy-Kao-Rang, a socio-cultural and literary organisation, set an example of social responsibility by replacing a planned grand book launch with a modest symbolic ceremony and extending financial assistance to flood victims.
The organisation cancelled its previously scheduled formal book release programme and instead organised a simple symbolic launch of 14 children’s novels authored by 13 writers at the Doy-Kao-Rang Street Library at Nagakhelia here recently.
The books released were In Search of the Mystery of the Sanchipat Manuscript by Iman Bezbaruah, Fly High, Little Butterfly by Kalchum Bibi, A Bright New World by Kakoli Neog, Aman’s Journey Across Assam by Quilin Kakoti, Let’s Dream Together by Gayatri Gogoi, Darkness Gives Way and Rishi’s Visit to Dibru by Mandira Chutia, Beautiful Gohpur: Rich in Beauty and Heritage by Minakshi Bora, Pratiti by Mousumi Neog, A Tour of Tezpur with Jon and Jilmil by Mousumi Borthakur, We Shall Keep the Lamp of Light Burning by Rajurani Saikia, Jumba by Rita Konwar, A Day of Jikmik in the Land of Barhar Po by Sangeeta Puwe Moran, and Golden Tales from the Silver Land by Shantana Chelleng.
The books were symbolically unveiled by local children and young readers, including Neeraj, Rit Awahan, Bhaskar, Dimple, Nayanmoni and Mayukh. The formal release function was originally scheduled to be held in Dibrugarh on July 25 but was cancelled owing to the severe flood situation across the region. In view of the prevailing humanitarian crisis, the organisers opted for a low-key symbolic ceremony instead.
Although many of the authors could not attend the event in person, children’s writers from different parts of Assam collectively contributed Rs 10,000 towards flood relief through the ‘Jatra’ WhatsApp group, a platform comprising a section of the State’s writers. The gesture highlighted the literary community’s commitment to social responsibility alongside its creative pursuits.
Doy-Kao-Rang director Tunujyoti Gogoi said that the role of writers during natural or social crises extends beyond literary creation. “Standing beside people in distress is also a moral responsibility of every writer,” he said. Gogoi further informed that all 14 novels were products of a children’s literature workshop organised by them to encourage and nurture creative writing for young readers.
The programme was attended by regular readers of the Doy-Kao-Rong Street Library as well as several prominent residents of the Mohanaghat area, a release stated.