New Delhi [India], October 11 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal today unveiled the third collection of essays by noted writer, orator, and literary activist Hrishikesh Goswami, titled 'Postmasteror Sadhu', at a special ceremony held in Tezpur.

The event witnessed the presence of distinguished members of Tezpur's intellectual and cultural community, including Prithviraj Rava, MLA and son of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha; Jnanashree Pathak, daughter of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala; Sujit Sharma, actor and son of Natyasurya Phani Sharma; Sanjeev Phukan, Editor of Dainik Janambhumi; and Dhairya Hazarika, Executive Editor of Asomiya Pratidin, among others, as stated in the release.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, 'A vibrant culture of book writing and reading nurtures an intellectually evolved society. The literary treasury of a nation reflects its soul. Hrishikesh Goswami has played a significant role in promoting Assamese children's literature through the Assam Children's Literature Trust, nurturing the imagination of young readers with creativity and depth.'

The Union Minister further said, 'I have been privileged to attend the release of his earlier two books, 'Netritya Ek Kala' and 'Manuhor Mrityut'. In 'Postmasteror Sadhu', Hrishikesh Goswami reflects upon the complex moral dimensions of human life and values, inspiring society to progress with compassion and wisdom. Literature plays a profound role in awakening social consciousness -- it mirrors the joys, struggles, and aspirations of the people.'

Sarbananda Sonowal further added that great Assamese thinkers -- from Laxminath Bezbarua, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Phani Sharma, to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika -- have long used literature and art to guide Assamese society and strengthen its cultural roots.

Sonowal noted, 'Today's occasion is a blessed one, as we have among us the families of the Tezpur trinity -- Jyoti, Bishnu, and Natya Surya. Their legacy shaped the foundation of Assamese art and culture. I share a personal bond with this sacred land -- it was here, in Tezpur, that I was elected President of the All Assam Students' Union for the second time in 1994. This place continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for me.'

Calling Tezpur 'the guiding light of Assamese thought and creativity', the Minister said he hopes the town continues to set new benchmarks in literature and culture. Quoting philosopher Francis Bacon, Sonowal remarked, 'Reading makes a full man. No reel or tweet can complete a human being -- only reading can fill us with depth, reflection, and imagination.'

Highlighting the changing habits in the digital age, he said, 'Technology has changed how we read. We read more on screens than on paper. But technology is not our enemy -- it can be our ally through e-books, audiobooks, and digital libraries. Our challenge is to make reading joyful again. Our youth must understand that books don't send notifications; they spread the light of knowledge.'

Reflecting on the balance between mother tongue and modern aspiration, Sonowal observed, 'There exists a silent conflict in our society -- between the mother tongue and modern ambition. Many believe English is the only path to success. But how can one climb the mountain of success after forgetting the soil one stands on? My mother's lap was the greatest university of my life.'

He added that Assam's literary luminaries -- from Bezbarua, Jyoti Prasad, Bishnu Rabha, Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya, Mamoni Raisom Goswami, Nilmani Phookan, Saurav Kumar Chaliha, Bhupen Hazarika, to Homen Borgohain -- gave voice to the collective conscience of society and carried Assamese language and literature to global audiences.

Referring to the late music icon, Sonowal said, 'We must pay heartfelt tribute to Zubeen Garg. His passing is not only a loss to music but also to Assamese literature. Zubeen was not merely a singer -- he was the people's voice. His songs captured the soul of Assam -- its rivers, nature, emotions, and generational hopes. I urge the youth who love Zubeen's music to study his songs -- to understand the soul behind the melody. His work will continue to inspire young Assamese to love and master their mother tongue.'

The Minister also emphasised making the Assamese language future-ready through technology: 'We must digitise our manuscripts, record our oral traditions, and build a digital database of Assamese literature. Let research flourish on linguistic preservation through AI and digital tools. Through knowledge, let us preserve our culture; and through culture, let us inspire progress. Let us create a vibrant environment for reading, writing, and critical thought that nurtures new writers, readers, and creative minds.'

Concluding his address, Sonowal expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting Classical Language status to Assamese, saying, 'We owe our heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister. It is due to his vision and commitment that our beloved Assamese language has been recognised as a Classical Language of India.'

In his remarks, Hrishikesh Goswami, Secretary of the Assam Children's Literature Trust, said, 'The sacred land of Tezpur -- home of Jyoti, Bishnu, and Natya Surya -- has always called me with open arms. I feel deeply inspired that my third collection of essays 'Postmasteror Sadhu' has been unveiled here today in the presence of the city's scholars and well-wishers.'

Goswami added, 'The thoughts, imagination, and creativity of humankind have always found reflection in the pages of books. Through this collection, I have tried to capture the experiences of life, social realities, and human emotions from various perspectives. If readers embrace this book with affection, I will feel deeply rewarded.'

Calling for a renewed culture of reading, Goswami said, 'Buying and reading books, nurturing a love for them -- these are essential today. Books open the doors of our minds and expand our vision. We must all commit ourselves to reviving the joy of reading among the younger generation, so that we can build a thoughtful and creative society.' (ANI)