“Write About Lachit, Not Aurangzeb”: Amish Tripathi’s Message from Assam

Renowned author Amish Tripathi on Wednesday graced the Assam Book Fair 2025 as a special guest, as the literary extravaganza kicked off at Khanapara playground in Guwahati.

However, beyond his presence as a celebrated writer, it was Tripathi’s heartfelt reflections on Assam’s progress, history, and cultural resilience that emerged as the most compelling highlight of the day.

During a brief interaction with the media, Tripathi spoke candidly about how Assam has transformed over the past decade. While visitors from outside the state are often asked how they feel about coming to Assam, his response went far deeper—instilling a renewed sense of confidence among the people of the state about its developmental journey.

“I love coming to Assam. It is great to be here again after nearly 14 years,” Tripathi said. “I have seen a lot of development here now. It is good to see how infrastructure and other developments have taken place.”

He also shared that he had the opportunity to visit the Kamakhya Temple in the early hours of the day, calling the experience spiritually enriching. Emphasising the role of literary platforms, Tripathi noted,

“Book fairs like this truly help writers get more inspiration and motivation to write.”

Rooted Writing and Reclaiming Indigenous Narratives

Tripathi echoed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s view that writers must remain rooted in their cultural and historical origins while telling stories.

“As earlier, many stories written in India carried a foreign vision—something that can be described as colonised thinking,” he observed. “But today, we must give preference to our own soil. We should write about Lachit Borphukan, not Mughal invader Aurangzeb. India—and Assam—needs such writers.”

Highlighting Assam’s unique historical resilience, Tripathi said the state had successfully protected its cultural and religious heritage over centuries.

“In much of North India, you will see temples and universities that were destroyed or damaged by invaders. But Assam’s story is different. Many foreign invaders could not enter this land,” he remarked.

Tourism, Culture and Storytelling

Calling Assam a land of immense possibilities, Tripathi stressed the importance of tourism alongside infrastructure development.

“Assam has a rich and diverse history and extraordinary natural beauty. Tourism must be given top priority along with development,” he added.

He urged the people of Assam to take ownership of their narratives and present them to the rest of the country.

“There is a strong appetite today for instinctive, region-rooted storytelling,” he said. “If writers portray their land and soil honestly, those stories will find readership—and even viewership if adapted into films.”

Citing recent cinematic successes, Tripathi said,

“Films like the Hindi movie Chhaava and the Kannada film Kantara performed exceptionally well. Kantara even worked in North India despite being a Kannada film. These films leave a strong impact. We can expect something similar from Assam as well.”

On Assamese as a Classical Language

Speaking on the importance of recognising Assamese as a classical language, Tripathi highlighted the urgent need for preservation and translation.

“When ancient languages receive classical recognition, it becomes easier to translate old manuscripts that otherwise risk extinction,” he said. “Translation is absolutely necessary.”

He also expressed concern over the declining linguistic discipline among the younger generation.

“Today, many young Indians read Hindi and other languages using English scripts. This affects pronunciation and depth. English is important for bread and butter, but people must also have a strong command over their native language.”

Inspiration, Faith and Writer’s Block

On his personal journey as a writer, Tripathi revealed that his inspiration comes from Lord Shiva, quoting a Sanskrit verse:

“यद्यत्कर्म करोमि तत्तदखिलं शम्भो तवाराधनम्—
‘Every act of mine, my Lord Shiva, is a prayer in Your honour.’”

“This is how I write,” he explained. “All my writings are blessings of Lord Shiva. I write with pride for Mother India. Reforms must be spoken about, but I come from a place of love—for India and all 1.5 billion of us. We are one people.”

Addressing the issue of writer’s block, Tripathi offered simple yet reassuring advice:

“Don’t get frustrated. Relax and don’t force yourself. Writer’s block can happen. Try again the next day. Writing, after all, is a blessing.”

About the Assam Book Fair

The Assam Book Fair 2025 officially began on Wednesday at Khanapara, with 135 publishing houses participating. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu, author Amish Tripathi, and Asom Sahitya Sabha President Basanta Kumar Goswami, among other dignitaries.

Also Read: “If You Can’t Control Fire, Don’t Ignite It Through Writing”: CM Warns Young Writers at Assam Book Fair