Sahitya Akademi is Politics, not Literature: Assamese Writer Arupa Patangia Kalita

A correspondent

DIBRUGARH: The second Dibrugarh University Literature Festival witnessed an engaging discussion on ‘The Status of Assamese Novels’ with eminent Assamese writers Arupa Patangia Kalita, Madhurima Baruah, and Karabi Deka Hazarika sharing their views. 

The speakers reflected on the century-long journey of Assamese novels and the challenges that continue to prevent them from achieving wider recognition in mainstream literature. According to the writers, Assamese novels often lack the depth of experience needed to create impactful, canonical works. “No experience, no novel is born,” they stated, pointing out that this gap has hindered the growth of Assamese literature despite its long history.

Arupa Patangia Kalita described the journey of Assamese novels as vibrant yet constrained by the limited exposure and experiences of Assamese writers.

Drawing examples from classical European literature, she highlighted that writers from other countries are more open and explorative in their writing. In contrast, Assamese novelists have yet to broaden their horizons. As a result, only a few Assamese novels carry substantial literary weight.

Kalita also underscored the critical role of literary criticism in shaping the literary landscape. She observed that the lack of strong literary critics in Assam has deprived many works of the recognition they deserve. 

Citing examples of how Nabanita Dev Sen’s critiques popularized Ashapurna Devi and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s analysis and brought Mahasweta Devi’s works to the forefront, Kalita emphasized the need for more critics in Assam to elevate local literature.

Madhurima Baruah recounted her journey as a novelist and spoke about how Assamese novels had remained stagnant until writers like Manikuntola, Anuradha Sharma Pujari, and Rita Chowdhury introduced fresh perspectives and innovative writing styles. She encouraged young writers to experiment with new approaches to storytelling, stating that this is essential for the growth of Assamese literature.

Karabi Deka Hazarika drew attention to the forgotten voices of Assamese literature. While some novelists have gained recognition across different literary fields, many others have faded into obscurity. She mentioned Miss Syphon, the author of Hojag Nikha, as an example of a writer whose work deserves to be rediscovered.

 Hazarika urged young writers to revive such forgotten gems and breathe new life into Assamese literature. She further remarked on the lack of vibrancy in contemporary Assamese novels, calling for stories that reflect more joy, excitement, and happiness.

Arupa Patangia Kalita praised the significant role women novelists play in Assamese literature today. 

Unlike in the past, when women writers often had to publish under pseudonyms like George Eliot and Jane Austen, today there are no such barriers. As a result, women writers are thriving, and their presence in Assamese literature surpasses that of male writers.

In response to a question from a student about why more male writers have won the Sahitya Akademi Award in Assam than women, Kalita remarked boldly, “Because Sahitya Akademi is politics, not literature. Winning a Sahitya Akademi Award does not necessarily mean the book represents great literature. It is ultimately the readers who decide what is the best novel.” She likened women to kohua phool, saying, “Women bloom wherever they are planted.”

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