In this digital media interview, we speak with a passionate Bengali writer from Assam Purabi Chakraborty whose work is deeply inspired by nature and the serene landscapes of the Northeast. A former teacher and now a homemaker, she writes not for commercial recognition but for the pure joy of expression. Her reflections offer a thoughtful perspective on identity, language, culture, and the evolving literary space for Bengali writers from Assam.
How has growing up in Assam influenced your identity as a Bengali writer?
Growing up in Assam has deeply shaped my identity as a writer. The natural beauty of this land—the hills, lush greenery, tall trees, and the peaceful environment—has always fascinated me. Being surrounded by such serenity inspires me to write and express my thoughts and emotions through words. Nature, in many ways, has been my constant muse.
Do you feel writers from Assam receive enough representation in mainstream Bengali literature?
Earlier, writers from Assam often faced difficulties in finding representation within mainstream Bengali literature. Their works rarely received visibility or recognition in larger literary circles.
However, the situation has gradually changed over time. Today, many authors from Assam are getting their books published and showcased at major literary platforms such as the Kolkata Book Fair. Social media has also played a significant role in bridging this gap. Through these platforms, even my own writings have been able to reach readers and become part of the broader Bengali literary space.
This shift reflects a more inclusive and connected literary environment than before.
As a woman writer, what themes do you feel most compelled to explore, and why?
For me, it is not about being a woman writer. I am simply someone who deeply loves nature. Nature constantly attracts and inspires me, and that is why I enjoy writing about it.
Writing about nature gives me a sense of peace and fulfillment. It feels natural to express my thoughts through the beauty, simplicity, and emotions that nature evokes.
How do language, displacement, and belonging feature in your writing?
I was born and brought up in Assam, and my entire life has been rooted here. Because of this, the idea of displacement has never really influenced my writing. I have never experienced that sense of being uprooted.
My connection to this land has always been continuous and deeply personal, and that sense of belonging naturally reflects in my work.
What challenges have you faced while writing in Bengali outside West Bengal?
Even though I live outside West Bengal, I am Bengali. I reside in the Barak Valley, which is a Bengali-dominated region. My education and cultural upbringing have been entirely in Bengali.
Therefore, living outside West Bengal has never created any difficulty for me in writing in Bengali.
Assam has a rich multilingual culture. Has this diversity shaped your literary voice?
Assam truly has a rich multilingual and multicultural environment. Living among people who speak different languages has enriched me culturally.
I have never confined myself only to my own culture; instead, I have learned from the cultures of others as well. This cultural exchange and exposure have broadened my perspective, and that influence is reflected in my writing.
Do you believe literature can influence social change, especially in the context of Northeast India?
As a writer, I write simply because I love writing. It brings me personal joy and fulfillment.
If my writing happens to inspire or bring about social change, that would certainly be meaningful. But my primary motivation remains the happiness and satisfaction I find in the act of writing itself.
How do you balance personal experiences with fictional storytelling?
Inspired by great writers such as Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, and Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, I try to blend my personal experiences with imagination.
While I do not compare myself to them, I attempt to express real-life emotions and observations creatively through my writing.
Which writers—Bengali or otherwise—have influenced your work the most?
After reading Kedarnath by Uma Prasad Mukherjee, I realized that writing can be both simple and deeply powerful.
He described his journey to Kedarnath in such a natural and vivid way that while reading, I felt as if I were traveling with him. His use of simple, everyday language deeply inspired me.
From him, I learned that writing does not need to be complicated to be impactful—it only needs honesty, clarity, and heartfelt expression.
What role do you think translation plays in taking Assamese Bengali literature to a wider audience?
Until now, my writings have only been published in Bengali, so I do not have much personal experience with translation.
However, I believe that translation will play an important role in helping Assamese Bengali literature reach a wider, pan-Indian audience.
How do political and social developments in Assam reflect in your writing?
Honestly speaking, politics does not influence my writing, as I prefer to stay away from political themes.
However, I have written some poems related to social issues, particularly about how the younger generation sometimes treats the elderly. I have also written about modern forms of celebration—what I call “Uddham Nitto”—which, in my view, sometimes overshadow our age-old customs and traditions.
What has been the biggest struggle—and the biggest reward—of your writing journey?
The biggest reward in my writing journey has been the love and support I receive from readers. Their appreciation and encouragement mean a great deal to me and motivate me to continue writing.
How do you see the future of Bengali literature emerging from Assam?
There are many talented and prominent writers from Assam who are doing remarkable work. Because of their dedication and creativity, I truly believe that the future of Bengali literature emerging from Assam is very bright.
What advice would you give to young women in the Northeast who aspire to write?
My advice would be simple: write from the heart and remain honest in your expression. Do not feel pressured to follow trends or expectations.
