Gorkhas of Assam in English writing

ANJAN BASKOTA

The Gorkhas of Assam are an integral and inseparable part of the greater Assamese society. Contributions of the Gorkhas in the process of Assamese nation building can’t be denied. The Gorkhas of Assam have contributed in every field including socio-politico, economic, literary, agriculture, education, administration, sports, security sector etc. for overall development of the state and the nation as well. The Gorkhas have shouldered the responsibility for multifaceted progress of the mother India and the state as well as other communities. In this article, I would focus on the contribution of the Gorkha writers in the field of creative writing in English only.
English is one of six official languages of the UNO and widely spoken next to the Chinese language in the global arena. It is an international language with worldwide speakers. The importance of English can’t be overlooked in the present day world. Though the figure of English writers from the Gorkha community of Assam is seen less in number, yet the contribution of handful writers is worth mentioning.
The origin of English writing can’t be traced properly due to inadequate data. During the initial days writers like Hari Prasad Gorkha Rai, D.B Chhetry (Rtd. IAS), Gita Upadhyaya (she has translated ‘The Diary of Anne Frank, Eng to Nep 1972), Hari Prasad Sharma (Khanal) of Lanka (translated a good number of English works into Nepali including the works of William Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru etc.), Padma Dhakal, Tikaram Upadhyaya Nirbhik (translated Alexander Pushkin’s writings in Nepali, 1976), Dr. Laxmi Prasad Parajuli, Dr. Bhikshu Kaudinya (Monastic Buddhism among the Khamtis of Arunachal, Influence of Buddhism and Pali on Tai-Khamti of Arunachal Pradesh and their literature etc, 1977), Dr. Rudraman Thapa (who wrote for various journals, periodicals and dailies since 1990’s), Dr. Jayanta Krishna Sharma (Eng to Assamese translation1992), Manohardhwaj Thame (The Secularism, 1978), Indra Chamling (The karbi’s: Past and Present, 1999, The Cruel Hunter), Dr. Purushottam Bhandari, Gyan Bahadur Chhetri, Kharkaraj Giri, Chintamani Chamlagain, Dr. Harka Bahadur Chetry (Sr.), late Dharani Rijal, Dr. Jamadagni Upadhyaya, Dr. Khemraj Nepal, Dr. Loknath Sarma, Prem Kumar Alley, Balaram Upadhyaya, Dr. Jagannath Upadhyaya, Jit Bahadur Sonar, Jivan Upadhyaya, Bhabani Prasad Sharma, late Basanta Kumar Nepal etc. are worth mentioning.  
‘History and Culture of Assamese-Nepali’, a research based book on the Nepali speaking people of the state is the first published book in English with government patronization in 2009 which covers the historical background of the community, it’s settlement in India and Assam, the role of the Gorkhas in the freedom movement, socio-economic and political contribution along with overall contribution of the Gorkhas. An editorial board with Dr. Jiten Das as chief editor, Dr. Jamadagni Upadhyaya as general editor along with a dignified board of editorial members had edited the book with support and contributions from various writers from respective fields. The research book was published by the Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam.
Though the number of the Gorkha writers in the field of English writing is seen less in number, they are well versed in English. A quality number of English works and books by great English writers have been translated into the Nepali language so far. A large number of academicians and research scholars have carried out their research works and have published their PhD thesis in the English language. The researchers and academicians regularly contribute for journals and periodicals of national and international fame and repute. Though I am unable to cite all the names of such researchers and academicians who have published their PhD thesis and research papers in various journals and periodicals, yet their contribution in this field has been acknowledged here.
A good number of Gorkha writers have authored books with different features in the English language and edited many research books and magazines so far. Some of the Gorkha writers who have penned books in English are as follows:
 (a)   K. K. Muktan:
K. K Muktan, a retired Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS) officer was born in Behali. His widely read books in English are ‘The Legendary Gorkhas’, ‘The Gorkhas in the Freedom Struggle of India’ and ‘ The Comprehensive History of the Nepalis in Northeast India (in three volumes).
  (b) Gyan Bahadur Chhetri:
G .B Chhetri was born in Karoiyani, on the southern part of Sootea of undivided Darrang district in 1957. He is a multilingual writer who writes in Assamese, English, Nepali and in Hindi equally. Mr. Chhetri is a renowned critic and a recipient of Sahitya Akademi’s translation prize in the year 2016. He was an associate editor of ‘History and Culture of Assamese-Nepali’ and regularly writes for English dailies including ‘The Assam Tribune’, ‘The North East Times’, ‘The Sikkim Express’ along with research journals and periodicals of international reputation. Chhetri has presented seminar papers and presided over many national and international seminars in English. He has authored ten books in Nepali, two in Assamese and one in English language. His first book in English ‘Glimpses of Nepali Literature and Culture’ was published by Oriental Publications Pvt. Ltd. in 2020 was a collection of essays.
 (c) Dr. Purushottam Bhandari:
            Dr. Purushottam Bhandari, son of Dhrubalal Bhandari and late Tilarupa Bhandari was born in Gomeri in 1965. A PhD scholar Bhandari regularly writes for English dailies published from state and NE region besides writing for national as well as journals of national and international importance. His publications in English includes ‘Economic System’ (1994), ‘Freedom Movement and Role of Indian Nepalese 1800- 1950’ (1996), ‘History of Gorkhas in INA’ (2019), ‘Colonialism in India and History of Indian Gorkha Martyrs in Freedom Struggle’ (2022), ‘Assam Economy’ (2022). Dr. Bhandari has been serving as an associate professor at Jagiroad College in the department of Economics.
(d) Balaram Upadhyaya:
    Balaram Upadhyaya was born in 1942 to late Umanath Upadhyaya and late Khoma Devi at Gangmouthan, Behali. Two of his published books in English are ‘Sparks Inside’ (a collection of essays), 2013 and ‘Maiden Verses’ (a collection of poems), 2014. He has four other books to his credit.
(e) Dr. Jagannath Upadhyaya:
    Dr. Jagannath Upadhyaya was born in Dolapani, southern part of Sootea in 1957. His parents were late Khadananda Upadhyaya and Ganga Devi. He was superannuated as a vice principal from Chaiduar College, Gohpur. Dr. Upadhyaya is well acquainted in English, Assamese and in Nepali language. A good numbers books have been published by him besides publishing research journals. ‘Students’ Politics in Assam’ is research based book in English. He has edited ‘Proceeding of the National Seminar on Civil Society and Human Rights in the Age of Globalisation’ and ‘Vision’, an annual magazine of the department of Political Science, Chaiduar College. He is also known for his translation works.
(f) Dr. Jayanta Krishna Sarmah:
            Professor Dr. Jayanta Krishna Sarmah was born in Gohpur to the late Phani Sarmah and Bina Devi. Dr. Sarmah is the HoD of the department of Political Science of Gauhati University. A prolific writer, Dr. Sarmah is well hand in Assamese, English and Nepali language. He has translated many books from English to Assamese, English to Nepali besides publishing books on creative writings and translation works, he has published a good number books with academic importance that include ‘Gender and Democracy in North-East India: Politics of Inclusion and Empowerment’ (2019), ‘The Autonomy Paradox: Interrogation of Autonomy Movement and Autonomous Councils in Assam’ (2014), ‘Welfare Administration in Assam’ (2012), ‘Traditional Institutions of Meghalaya at the Crossroads in India’ (Co-author, 2018), ‘Governance: Issues and Challenges’ (text book, co-author, 2019). He has edited many research based journals and magazines.
(g) Bhabani Prasad Sharma:
            Sharma was born in 1969 at Axiguri of Chirang district to the late Durga Prasdam Sharma and Manomaya Devi. Mr. Sharma has been serving as a HoD of the department of Political Science at Bongaigaon College. He has more than ten books to his credit. ‘Creative Thoughts’ is a collection of English essays which was published in the year 2020.
(h) Dr. Bishnu Bhandari:
            Dr. Bishnu Bhandari, son of Hari Krishna Bhandari and late Narmada Devi was born in Gomeri in 1967. Dr. Bhandari has 15 books to his credit. ‘Mind cannot but Speak’ (2015), ‘Invaluable Thoughts and Facts’ (2015) and ‘Common Errors in English’ (2015) are his well known books in English. He is also a multilingual writer from the Gorkha community.
(i) Jit Bahadur Sonar:
    ‘Black Sanke and the New Generation’ and ‘The Stride’ are two books composed by Jit Bahadur Sonar so far. He is a familiar translator. An established storyteller, an avowed translator Jit Bahadur Sonar’s contribution to the literary arena has earned him a decent recognition.
(j) Dr. Sarita Sharma:
Dr. Sarita Sharma, PhD, is an author, poet, translator, life coach and mental health counsellor. She is passionately involved with women’s issues and works for the cause of gender equality. She is a Board Member at the Trans Disciplinary Agora for Future Discussions, Georgia. She is also the Coordinator/Editor in Chief at TAFFD’s Magazine of the Future, USA. She has many books to her credit in a diverse range of genres. She writes in English and translates from Assamese and Nepali to English. She has published a collection of short stories titled ‘Of Myriad Voices’, a poetry collection titled ‘Days V’ in English in addition to two translated fictions and several books which she has edited. She is also an academician and has published papers in various international journals. She has presented as a Resource Person in various summits and conferences. Her work, both in the creative and academic fields, have earned her many international accolades and awards- Philosophique and Grand Productions Literary Award Canada, TAFFD’s Performer Award, ANESAS Literary Achievement Award, ANESAS Merit Award, Sewa Sadhana Merit Award- amongst others.
 (k) Dr. Dhundiraj Upadhyaya:
            Dr. Dhundiraj Upadhyaya was born in Gamiripal, Jamugurihat in 1987 to the late Khemraj Upadhyaya and Buddhimati Devi. A multilingual writer Dr. Upadhyaya has nine books of different genres to his credit. He has edited a good number of research journals and periodicals so far. ‘Shashtha Vibhuti’ is a collection of biographies of eminent personalities in English which was published in 2014.
(l) Late Manash Jyoti Upadhyaya:
            Manash Jyoti Upadhyaya was son of Dr. Jagannath Upadhyaya and Pratima Upadhyaya, Gohpur. A talented and promising writer Upadhyaya had translated prolific Assamese writer Homen Borgohain’s ‘Jibanar Madhuratam Samay’ into Nepali. He used to write articles for the Assam Tribune, his own blog ‘Go Forge Yourself’ and others. ‘A Cauldron of Mixed Thoughts’ is a collection of 14 articles published posthumously in 2021. Three articles out of the fourteen are in the Nepali language.
(m)     Asmita Bharadwaj:
Asmita, a promising scholar was born in 2001 to Dr. Khagen Sarma and Champa Sarmah (Anupa), Guwahati. NCC ‘C’ certificate holder Asmita has attended many national camps and participated in shooting competitions too.  A diploma holder in Bharatanatyam, Ms Bharadwaj is an emerging choreographer too. Presently, she is pursuing post graduate degree in political Science from Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda, Gujarat. ‘The NCC Episode’ is a hand book on NCC (National Cadet Corps) that was published in 2020 which provides vivid information about the NCC. Asmita regularly contributes for ‘The Sikkim Express’ besides writing for various pages and blogs.      
      Along with the limited edition of published books, a good number of writers have edited books, periodicals, journals, magazines and text books. Bijoy Ghimire of Karbi Anglong is one among others. He is the editor of Mileage, a monthly magazine in English published from Guwahati, Assam. Dr. Chinta Mani Sharma, principal of Biswanath College has edited many research based books besides publishing more than fifty research papers in national and international journals. He has represented the state and presented and presided over many seminars and symposiums of national and international importance. He often contributes to English dailies. Dr. Jamadagni Upadhyaya has edited the souvenir of IMA, Dhemaji district in English in 1996 and was the general editor of ‘History and Culture of Assamese-Nepali’ (2009). He regularly contributes to English dailies and periodicals.      
      Among other Gorkha writers who have contributed in English are Dr. Sanjib Upadhyaya, Rewati Raman Sapkota, Puspadhar Sarmah, Dr. Deben Sapkota, Jay Narayan Luitel, late Pitambar Gurung, Dr. Uma Kanta Sarmah, B.L Sharma, late Nilamani Sarma (Subedi), Rajen Sharma, Naba Sapkota, Shivnath Sarma, Sadananda Dahal, Dr. Khagen Sarma, Dr. Lalu Prasad Upadhyaya, Kula Prasad Sharma, Abikeshar Sarma, Dr. Shanti Thapa, Dr. Indu Prabha Devi, Dr. Tilak Sharma among others.
      The role of ‘Lohit Putra’, a research based multilingual magazine of the Greater Guwahati Gorkhali Parivar towards enhancing English writing among young writers, research scholars and senior writers as well is noteworthy.  
      Out of the new generation, a good number of young Gorkha writers have started writing in English at present. Om Prakash Basnet is one among others. He regularly writes for The Assam Tribune, The Hills Times, The North East Times etc. Nanda Kirati Dewan is another promising writer from this community. He is closely associated with journalism and writes for community development. Anjan Baskota is another challenging writer who regularly contributes for The Assam Tribune, The Sentinel, The Sikkim Express, The Hills Times, The Assam Rising. He is the joint editor of ‘Brahmaputra Tri-lingual Dictionary’ and is associated with English journalism. Bishakha Bharadwaj, a postgraduate student of Journalism and Mass Communication used to write in The Sentinel. Dr. Viposha Bhardwaj, a PhD scholar is a regular contributor for ‘The Arunachal Times’ and ‘The Shillong Times’. Bhardwaj has already published a good number of research papers in national and international journals. Rekha Chetry and Dilip Chetry have jointly published ‘The Golden Langur’ in 2009. Similarly Dr. Amrit Kumar Upadhyaya, Dr. Dipak Bajgain, Santosh Rawat, Ganesh Sarma, Siddhartha Sarma (Guwahati), Monalisha Chetry, Siddartha Sarma (Biswanath), Tikendra Kumar Chetry (BTR), Bijoy Newpane(BTR) along with some others write in English.  
      At the very outset, I have clearly mentioned that I would cover only contributions of creative writers and some selected works of academic excellence here in this article. It is not possible to assemble the data of academic writers and researchers in this article. It is observed that the Gorkha writers in English writing are lagging behind in comparison to others. It is the demand of the hour that the young generation writers should come forward and put their hands together in enhancing and enriching this field of creative writing.
At the end of this write-up, I must admit that many names of Gorkha writers who have contributed or are contributing in English may not appear here. I must say that this is not a research based article and the final one in this line. It may provide basic information to scholars and researchers or any other academicians. This is just an outline in this regard. It needs detailed study and field visits which I didn’t carry out. I must beg an apology before you, if any genuine names are missed out here, then please bring it to my notice. I will mend this next time. Your valuable suggestions and guidance in this regard is highly solicited which will help me mend the mistakes.
Reference:
1.    ‘History and Culture of Assamese-Nepali’, Dr. Jiten Das, chief Editor, 2009
2.    Purvottar Nepali Nibandh Sanchayan, Gyan Bahadur Chhetri, Editor, 2022
3.    Purvottar Bharatko Nepali Sahityako Itihas, Dr. Khemraj Nepal, 2021
4.    Nauduwar Diganta Samma, Padma Dhakal, 1995
5.    Barechahar, a souvenir of Barechaharia Bhowna Mashotsav, 2023, Narayan Saikia, Bikash Barua and Basav Bhuyan, editors.
6.    Glimpses of Nepali Literature and Culture, Gyan Bahadur Chhetri, 2020.
(Samar Dalani, Sootea, Biswanath, Assam, Ph: 7002702268)