Guwahati, April 7, 2025: The poetry collection ‘Premor Panthashala’, penned by Dr. Kajal Saikia, Chief General Manager (HR & Legal) of Numaligarh Refinery Limited, was officially launched at a vibrant literary gathering held at the Auditorium of the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, Uzanbazar, Guwahati on the evening of Sunday, the 6th of April, 2025. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of literature and culture aficionados, budding poets, students and faculty from various colleges and universities, media professionals, and poetry lovers.

‘Premor Panthashala’, Dr. Saikia’s debut poetry book, is a heartfelt exploration of the many shades of love. The book has been published by the Numaligarh Shodhanagar Shakha Sahitya Sabha.

The evening commenced with a soulful Saraswati Vandana by Mahatwakangsha Kashyap, a student of Cotton University, followed by a moving rendition of the Asam Sahitya Sabha Anthem “Siro Senehi Mur Bhakha Janani” by members of the Nilachal Mohila Morcha, Guwahati. An introductory address was delivered by Sangam Panchanan, Vice President of Numaligarh Shodhanagar Shakha Sahitya Sabha. In his publisher’s address, former President Hemanta Kumar Nath expressed optimism about the rising reading culture among the general public.

The book was ceremonially released by a distinguished panel comprising celebrated actor and reciter Pranjal Saikia; poet and scientist Dr Bipul Jyoti Saikia; novelist and writer Manikuntala Bhattacharya; popular poet Pranab Kumar Barman; noted poet, writer, and editor Atanu Bhattacharyya; IGP of Assam Police, Prashanta Sagar Sangmai; and senior journalist Gautam Sharma. The release was followed by a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.

Several speakers shared their reflections on the book and fond personal anecdotes about the author. Journalist Gautam Sharma, a junior of Dr Saikia from their Gauhati University days, reminisced about their time at Cotton College and even proposed the establishment of an Assamese-medium school within the NRL campus.

Sharing her reflections, novelist Manikuntala Bhattacharya remarked, “It is extremely important to write poetry- many great literary journeys begin here. Poets are inherently courageous; through poetry, they dare to express complex truths that often remain unspoken in novels and other forms of writing.”

Veteran actor Pranjal Saikia captivated the audience with a reading from the book, while singer Ranjit Sarma added a melodious touch to the evening with a musical performance.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Kajal Saikia expressed heartfelt gratitude to individuals from various phases of his life. He fondly mentioned about his connection with the people from his hometown Mangaldai, cherished memories from his student years at Cotton College and Gauhati University, and acknowledged the continued support of his colleagues at Numaligarh Refinery Limited.

The event concluded with the audience singing the State Anthem of Assam.
‘Premor Panthashala’ is now available for purchase on Amazon.