Assam’s Crisis: Myth and Reality

In this inimitable book, the author has analysed, in his own original style and with an amazing grasp of details, the various ills-economic, political, social, psychological and cultural-with which the Assamese society, particularly its youth, is afflicted. Specially for readers outside Assam, it is an eye-opener. With the precision of an expert surgeon he anatomizes the ills of Assamese society and admonishes its youth who, instead of putting the blame on others for their backwardness, should do some soul-searching and find the true cause of their present plight. People from outside have come to enrich Assam through productive activities like trade and business while local inhabitants remain indifferent and shun hard work. Is there really colonial exploitation in Assam? The Agitation during 1979-85 did much harm by creating division among the populace and thereby alienating many non-Assamese’. “Assimilation was the rule in the reign of Ahom kings but we are moving in the opposite direction,” says the author and then advises the youth of Assam to try to exploit their own intellect and potentialities besides trying to exploit the natural resources which are in plenty in the State. Both in practice and precept, Assam has always shown the way to national integration in India. A highly interesting and informative volume which throws a flood of light on present day Assam, it would be the cherished possession.

Kanak Sen Deka (b.1933) is the editor of the Agradoot, a ploneer of modern journalism in india. His views, objective and rational, have played pivotal role in shaping up the society. An outstanding success was his recent book entitled :Youth in Turmoil: Assam" which passed through nine impressions within 15 months of its first publication. The said book has been translated into several languages, including Bengali, Hindi and English. For him journalism is much more than a mere profession. It is a mission dedicated to the wellbeing of the society. Shri Deka is also a prolific writer in the field of modern literature. Three novels, a collection of short stories, plays and three works on problems confronting the socierty bear a clear testimony to this.