DULIAJAN, Sept 9: The written legacy of late journalist, writer and social commentator Bulon Kumar Saikia was preserved in a 1,300-page volume released at a ceremony at Namphake Buddhist Monastery in Naharkatiya on Sunday.
Titled Aprotirodhya Bulon Kumar Saikia: Srishti, Adarsha Aru Karma (Indomitable Bulon Kumar Saikia: His Works, Ideals and Contributions), the volume brings together Saikia’s writings, ideas and reflections spanning journalism, literature, satire, political analysis and social engagement.
Edited by senior journalist and Mahekiya Sonowal Barta editor Ratan Hazarika and published by the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council, the book contains nine of Saikia’s works, including his novel Arakan Intel, two poetry collections, two autobiographical novels, one of them unpublished, a book on cooking, an essay collection and a translated work.
The volume also includes his satirical collection Bator Kochu Puran, critical reflections on his literary works, reminiscences by those who knew him and 100 social media posts reflecting his thoughts and observations.
The ceremony, organised by the Bulon Kumar Saikia Memorial Trust, began with the planting of two saplings and lighting of a ceremonial lamp before Saikia’s portrait. The volume was formally released amid conch-shell sounds and Buddhist chants at a function presided over by Trust president Amulya Chenglari, who is also vice-chairperson of the Naharkatiya Municipal Board.
Dr Jyotiprasad Saikia, Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath Barooah University, Jorhat, and the chief guest, recalled Bulon as a courageous and sensitive writer. He said Saikia had the courage to “call a wrong a wrong” and described his writings as reflections of a deeply humane mind. He also said four stories in the volume displayed distinctive literary qualities and urged younger readers to engage with Saikia’s ideas and works.
The first copy of the book was auctioned after its release. The bidding began at ₹1,001 and reached ₹20,000, with Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tonkeshwar Sonowal emerging as the successful bidder.
Sonowal recalled Saikia’s life and philosophy and announced that he would bear the educational expenses of Saikia’s daughter, Bhairavi Saikia.
The Bhante of Namphake Buddhist Monastery recalled Saikia’s contribution to nurturing young journalists and expressed disappointment over the absence of some journalists he had mentored.
More than 150 admirers, well-wishers and distinguished personalities from Jorhat, Dhemaji, Duliajan, Tengakhat, Namrup and Naharkatiya attended the event.
The book was made available at a 50 per cent discount following its release. The Memorial Trust said the proceeds from its sale would be handed over to Saikia’s family.
The programme also featured poetry recitations by Jayshree Barua and Bhairavi Saikia, besides a documentary on Saikia’s life and work produced by Debajit Sonowal.
