Young poet Avinash Bastabha’s ‘The Tale of Termites’ unveiled in Jorhat

NAZIRA, October 1, 2026 — Poetry collection The Tale of Termites, authored by emerging young writer and former Nazira College student Avinash Bastabha, was formally unveiled at the Sahityapran Dr Qutubuddin Ahmed Bhawan in Jorhat on September 27.

Noted poet, writer and researcher Dr Mousumi Rekha Khaund formally released the book. The programme began with ceremonial lighting of lamps, followed by a welcome address and a musical performance by Manjushree Bora Gogoi.

Popular anchor and actress Mousumi Mahanta conducted the programme. Distinguished poets Bhupen Gogoi, Manasi Gogoi and Dipankar Jyoti Bora were among those present.

Unveiling the collection, Dr Khaund observed that Bastabha’s poems, consciously or otherwise, touch upon ideas of modernism and connectivity.

During the programme, two copies of the book were formally donated to the poetry library of the All Assam Poets’ Conference and handed over to librarian Mamu Bora.

Poet Dhan Das, Assam Flash National Managing Director Riyarani Dutta and artist Kabyashree Saikia, who created the artwork for the book, also spoke on the occasion and conveyed their best wishes to the young author.

Saikia remarked that despite his young age, Bastabha possesses a high level of creative and intellectual ability, which, she said, is reflected in his poetry.

Poems from The Tale of Termites were recited by Geeta Bora and Sewali Dutta Saikia.

More than 50 poetry enthusiasts, including Arup Kumar Barthakur, Naba Jyoti Bora, Jyotsna Bora Saikia, Jyotsna Hazarika, Rajdeep Saikia, Biju Saikia, Dadumoni Bora, Sajid Hussain, Prince Sushil Barua, Parismita Bora and Geetali Hazarika, attended the programme.

The event also featured an interactive literary session titled Ek Cup of Tea: A Mehfil of Poetry and Conversation, bringing together poets, writers and literature enthusiasts for discussions on poetry and contemporary literary expression.

The collection has been published by Assam-based publishing house Panchajanya Books.