Rumi Laskar Bora, a name synonymous with courage and literary brilliance in Assamese literature, has dared to tread paths that many would deem taboo. Her novels and short stories delve into subjects that are often shied away from, challenging societal norms and expectations.
As writer and critic Govinda Prasad Sarma aptly put it, “Rumi Laskar Bora is a brave female writer of Assamese literature.” Her fearless approach to storytelling has earned her immense respect and admiration.
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A Writer’s Courage
Bora’s journey as a writer was fueled by her surroundings and experiences. “My surroundings and circumstances promoted me to write without any hesitation,” she shares. As a writer, she believes in the power of open expression, advocating for the ability to explore every facet of society—its vices, virtues, anger, desires, love and hatred.
A writer, she believes, must possess the courage to write openly about all aspects of society, its vices and virtues, its anger and desires. “We must reveal that which can bring about a positive message,” she asserts.
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Her commitment to authenticity and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of literature are evident in her works.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Bora’s unflinching portrayal of reality has often led to misunderstandings and criticism. When she writes about certain subjects, many readers assume that she is drawing from her personal experiences. Some even indulge in character assassination, associating her characters with real-life individuals. Despite these challenges, Bora remains undeterred, using her writing as a platform to give voice to the marginalized and unheard.
In her novel “Barnil Sonakuchir Swarnil Adhyay,” Bora delves into the lives of the workers at the now-defunct Nagaon Paper Mill. Drawing from her firsthand experiences and observations, she paints a vivid picture of the industry’s impact on the lives of its employees.
Her novel “Domphu” sheds light on the Nepali community living in Assam, a subject rarely explored in Assamese literature. Through extensive research and fieldwork, Bora provides a nuanced understanding of their culture and experiences.
In her short story “Allergy,” Bora addresses the mental health challenges faced by women in post-menopause. Based on her encounters with real-life women who felt neglected and emotionally distressed, the story resonated with readers and sparked important conversations.
A Champion of History
Bora’s historical novel “Kalagni” chronicles the Moa-Moria revolution. Through meticulous research, she brings to life the heroic figure of Raghav Moran, a Moran community leader who fought against the Ahom King Lakshmi Singha in the 18th century.
Early Life and Literary Journey
Born and raised amidst the serene beauty of nature, Bora’s imagination was nurtured by the enchanting Kolong river. Her literary journey began with poetry, but she soon found her true calling in prose.
During her college days at Nagaon Girls’ College, Bora was fortunate to interact with literary giants like Jogendra Narayan Bhuyan, Apurba Sarama, and Prabhat Bora. Their guidance and inspiration broadened her horizons and fueled her passion for writing.
Inspired by the works of Pearl S Buck, Homen Borgohain, Nirupama Borhogain, and Mamoni Raisom Goswami, Bora developed a unique style and voice.
For her contributions to Assamese literature, Bora has received few awards, including the Tarasankar Bandapadhyay award from the Bengali magazine “Desher Prathik” and the Bishnu Rabha Award for her novel “Domphu.” Her novels have been translated into Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali.
A Legacy of Literary Excellence
Rumi Laskar Bora’s contributions to Assamese literature are immeasurable. With her 11 novels, 3 poetry collections, and 3 short story collections, she has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Assam. Her works include “Kollol,” “Jui,” “Bishhesh Batori,” “Prasnna,” “Dhou,” “Kalagni,” “Bishannatar Behela,” “Barnil Xonakuchir Swapnil Adhyay,” “Ejon Yubakar Sandhanot,” and “Xuna Radha” (translated from Madhab Koushik’s original).
Her ability to present complex subjects in a compelling and relatable manner is a testament to her skill as a writer. Her stories, whether historical or contemporary, delve deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and social justice.
Rumi Laskar Bora’s fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to her craft have made her a true inspiration for aspiring writers.