An interactive session with Arup Kumar Dutta: Letters to The Editor

It is my privilege to share with you an experience of attending a Virtual Interactive Session on June 19 (Saturday) with the renowned author and journalist, Padma Shri Arup Kumar Dutta on Google Meet, being proudly organized by Vivekananda Kendra Shiksha Prasar Vibhag (VKSPV), Guwahati.

The valuable session started at 4:30 pm with the chanting of 'Omkar' 'dhwani' thrice, followed by 'Mangalacharan' as our tradition to begin something with utmost devotion and sanctity. The thought-provoking session continued till 6:10 pm.

The anchoring of the valuable interactive session was done by Parineeta Mazumder (PGT- English), VKV Dibrugarh in a befitting manner. A formal welcome and a detailed introduction of the renowned author and journalist, Padma Shri Arup Kumar Dutta was wonderfully given by Pranab Kr. Saikia, (PGT-English), VKV Laipuli, Tinsukia. He had thrown light on the life and achievements of the prolific author, concerning some of his literary creations.

It was followed by a series of valuable questions from the school heads and teachers from various Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) in Assam.

All the questions were answered well by the honourable Guest Speaker, Arup Kumar Dutta in a vibrant and thought-provoking manner. He had enthusiastically responded to every important question being asked by some of the attendees during the ongoing session.

During the aforementioned interactive session, the eminent writer had reflected upon the various aspects of writing for the masses and he had emphasized the relevance of the real-life struggle on the part of any struggling writer. He had inspired all the enthusiastic listeners on the virtual platform that memorable evening with his down-to-earth approach to life even at the helm of tremendous success, flashlights and recognition.

After listening to him wholeheartedly, I could, honestly, feel the quintessence of a fruitful life (like that of the legend, Arup Kumar Dutta), being toured with all positive attitude and sacrifices that everyone needs to make to achieve one's best in life. There can be no shortcut to actual success in human life. We all must work hard relentlessly and unconditionally to lead a matchlessly fruitful and quintessentially meaningful life.

Indeed, true, Arup Kumar Dutta never gave in to any temporary setback or bottleneck that might have obstructed his great journey to his exemplifying literary goal of excellence in different situations. He did not stop trying at any condition. Rather, he kept on working diligently without any doubt, fear and confusion. The power of his imagination, experience and undying interest in reading and his indomitable self-esteem as a prolific author, representing Northeastern India, honestly maintaining the desired standard of English language makes him a unique personality. Undoubtedly, Arup Kumar Dutta exemplifies himself as an indomitable 'warrior with his powerful pen' during his prime till date. He knows how to deal with every single problem in life with a positive attitude and thus, he is the epitome of indomitable inspiration for today's youth and all others who dream of penning down some powerful thoughts and ideas into reality, for the greater welfare of this society and the people.

After the Question-Answer Session, Arup Kumar Dutta gave his feedbacks on the Virtual Interactive Session, being organized by VKSPV, Guwahati, in which 100+ members had enthusiastically participated. He had also highlighted the contribution of the VKVs in the Northeast.

He had, also, expressed his utmost satisfaction over his presence during the session. He had urged us to read more and more books to gain knowledge and follow our dream, if any, of becoming a writer or a poet. Yes, his thought process is ever relevant, universally acceptable and can be practically implemented for the greater welfare of this society and the people.

Finally, as per the agenda, the 'Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ritwik Chakrabarty, Principal, VKV Nalbari.

In my opinion, we could have better enjoyed an offline interactive session and with the prolific author, Padma Shri Arup Kumar Dutta face-to-face, if the prohibitions of the COVID-19 pandemic situation (Semi-Lockdown) would not have resisted us. Anyways, the session ended up on a positive note.

We hope to meet him in future at such a valuable (offline) interactive session.

Through your esteemed daily, The Sentinel, I wish Arup Kumar Dutta, healthy life and a happy time and enthusiastically look forward to attending his next interactive session.

Jayanta Topadar,

Dhemaji

Why no outrage?

Recently in Jharkhand, several minor girls were sexually and mentally abused in a shelter home run by Mother Teresa Welfare Trust (MTWT). The NGO under MTWT is approved by the Jharkhand government. The minor girls have confirmed before the police that they were forced to fulfil the sexual demands of the perpetrators. Now, this is outrageous and a high-level inquiry committee should be set up to get into the root of the story. But the Jharkhand government under the direction of Congress authorities sitting in Delhi instructed them to close the case after a few arrests. Had the same thing happened in any trust run by Hindu NGO, the entire liberal, leftists, Congress, RJD, Samajwadi Party, TMC and some journalists would have made a beeline to that place to shed crocodile tears. Their main motto would have been to target Modi, Hindutva, and RSS.

The way the Jharkhand government has handled the matter is condemnable. If the case is wrapped up hastily then it has left scope for more such incidents shortly which might go unreported due to fear. Jharkhand government which is headed by Hemant Soren (JMM) in alliance with Congress and RJD has displayed their appeasement card. Their objective is simple – never hurt the sentiments of minorities even if it destroys the security of people or the nation.

Julie Bhuyan,

Gaurisagar.

In Milkha Singh's name

The highest national honour in sports is Khel Ratna. The Khel Ratna is a prefix by Rajiv Gandhi's name, which goes like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. Now, why should the nation's highest honour in sports be named after a politician who doesn't have any sporting background? Is it not enough that the majority of stadiums, railway stations, airports, universities, colleges, roads, hospitals and whatnot are named mostly after three names Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. India over the years has produced outstanding sportspersons who have bought glory to the nation like Dhyan Chand (Hockey), Milkha Singh (Athletics), Leander Paes (Tennis), PT Usha (Athletics), Prakash Padukone (Badminton), Abhinav Bindra (Shooting) and many more. I am not mentioning the current players because they are still competing. The Khel Ratna award should have been named after either Dhyan Chand or Milkha Singh. I vouch for Milkha Singh because a few stadiums and trophies are already named after the legendary Hockey wizard. Renaming the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna as Milkha Singh Khel Ratna would be a fitting tribute to the Flying Sikh who established Indian Athletics on the world map.

Spondon Hazuri,

Biswanath Chariali.