A Memorable Book Launch in Guwahati
At the recent book launch in Guwahati, Triparni Das shared her unforgettable experience celebrating An Unforsaken Tie: Mayhem of the Flower published by Aseem Prakashan. Written by 14-year-old prodigy Aarna, this inspiring debut highlights the power of youthful talent and family support.
On my last day in Guwahati, my family and I attended a book launch that took place in my parents’ old school, South Point School, Guwahati. My sister, Nabarni Das, is the editor of the book, ‘An Unforsaken Tie: Mayhem of the Flower’, written by Aarna—a 14-year old studying at that very school. That is how I found myself at my first event like that.
I met Aarna, her parents, and her grandfather for the first time there, and I was in awe of the girl who is the same age as me and yet has accomplished so much that the rest of us cannot even imagine achieving. To have the courage, the passion, the talent, to write a whole book at the age of 14 is incomprehensible in a way that it cannot be considered a small feat. I observed her family, those who were her backbone throughout, and I understood how love, appreciation of talent, and support from loved ones can help people get so incredibly far.
Alongside them, a number of dignitaries had graced the event to support this amazing girl. Among them were Dr. Usharanjan Bhattacharya, former Head of the Bengali Department and Dean of Gauhati University; Dr. Panna Lal Goswami of Cotton College; and Dr. Nandita Bhattacharjee Goswami, former Vice Principal of Cotton College. Krishnaanjan Chanda, Principal of South Point School, was also present, along with, Kumud Ranjan Das, Subhra Bhattacharjee writer Nishuti Majumdar and Shibani Duttachoudhry, teacher of Don Bosco School.
Aarna had said in her speech, “There were quite a few times when I doubted whether I could really finish it. But somewhere along the way, I realised that sometimes stories are written simply because the heart needs a place to speak honestly.” While listening to her speech, these words stood out to me explicitly. As teenagers in this era, we are surrounded by scrutiny and pressure. Burdened by the expectations that weigh even our souls down, we cannot speak our mind truthfully. Stories, music, and the arts are sometimes our only safe haven, regardless of whether we are the creators or simply admirers. Every story is an extension of an author’s mind, every word plucked from their heart alone. Every stroke of a brush or pen is fueled by an artist’s heartfelt emotion, every tune of a song displaying the state of a musician’s soul.
“While most writers, including me, tend to reserve their pieces for their eyes only, Aarna has been confident enough to share her creation with the world.” These are words spoken by my sister during the Editor’s speech. While at the book launch, I watched my sister and Aarna laugh and stay alongside each other during the whole event. Two girls with innate talent for writing had met, and created wonder. As both of them mentioned in their speeches, there is no one else to thank for their meeting except for our uncle, Mr. Sid Ghosh. Without him, these two exemplary people wouldn’t have met. I agree with my sister’s words; it is a fact that many writers and other artists hide their beautiful creations from the world. Whether it is because of lack of confidence or other reasons, so much beauty is hidden from the eyes of those who would cherish it. So I must praise Aarna again for her courage. This book was Nabarni’s first editing opportunity, and after reading the book, I must say she has done a wonderful job.
What stood out to me during the speeches of her father and her grandfather was their mutual pride in Aarna’s work, and in how much thought she has put into her writing. As an avid reader, I confess that many well-known books are not to my taste, and this book seems to be better than a lot of them. I cannot imagine just how proud her parents and her grandfather must be feeling to have raised such a gem. Throughout their speeches, they mentioned sleepless nights, wanting to give up, the many hardships that have finally paid off when they saw Aarna so happy and confident in her book. The patience that would’ve been required throughout the process is inconceivable to me. I am so proud of Aarna and everyone that has been part of her journey.
In my opinion, the first book launch I ever attended went exceptionally well. It is indeed an experience that I will truly never forget. The pride that I feel when I say that my sister is the editor of a book such as this is something I probably won’t feel in most other situations. If I am ever invited to another one of Aarna’s book launches (for her next book, perhaps), I will make sure to tell her in person to keep shining like the star she is.
As aforementioned, it was my last day in Guwahati, and the book launch just made me want to stay back and not return for another few weeks. But alas, school and studies call. I hope that one day, I will have confidence like Aarna’s to put myself out there without being nervous or scared.
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