Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday unveiled ‘Postmasteror Sadhu’, the third collection of essays by noted Assamese writer and literary activist Hrishikesh Goswami, at a ceremony in Tezpur. The event brought together 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; and senior journalists Sanjeev Phukan and Dhairya Hazarika. Speaking at the launch, Sonowal highlighted the importance of reading and writing in shaping an intellectually evolved society. “A vibrant culture of book writing and reading nurtures the moral and intellectual fabric of a nation,” he said. Praising Hrishikesh Goswami’s contribution to children’s literature through the Assam Children’s Literature Trust, the Minister noted that the author had played a pivotal role in nurturing young imaginations through creativity and depth. Reflecting on Goswami’s new work, Sonowal said, “In Postmasteror Sadhu, the author examines the moral complexities of human life and values, inspiring society to progress with compassion and wisdom. Literature, after all, mirrors the joys, struggles, and aspirations of its people.” The Minister recalled the literary legacy of Assam’s cultural icons — Laxminath Bezbarua, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Phani Sharma, and Dr Bhupen Hazarika — who used art and literature to strengthen Assamese identity. “Today’s occasion is blessed,” he said, “for it brings together the families of the Tezpur trinity — Jyoti, Bishnu, and Natya Surya — whose legacies continue to guide Assamese thought and creativity.” Calling Tezpur “the guiding light of Assamese culture”, Sonowal urged the youth to rediscover the joy of reading. “No reel or tweet can complete a human being — only reading fills us with depth and imagination,” he remarked, quoting Francis Bacon. Addressing the digital age, he added, “Technology has changed how we read, but it need not be an adversary. E-books, audiobooks, and digital libraries can make reading accessible again. Books don’t send notifications — they spread the light of knowledge.” The Minister also underscored the need to balance the mother tongue with modern aspirations. “There is a silent conflict between our native language and ambition. Many think English is the only route to success, but one cannot climb the mountain of success after forgetting the soil one stands on,” he said. Sonowal also paid tribute to the late music legend Zubeen Garg, calling him “the people’s voice” whose songs captured the soul of Assam. “Zubeen’s passing is not just a loss to music but to Assamese literature. His songs will continue to inspire young Assamese to love and master their mother tongue.” He further urged the digitisation of Assamese manuscripts and oral traditions, proposing a digital literary archive to preserve cultural heritage. “Through knowledge, we must protect our culture; through culture, we must inspire progress,” he said. Concluding his address, Sonowal thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting Classical Language status to Assamese, crediting his vision for strengthening the state’s linguistic identity. In his remarks, Hrishikesh Goswami, Secretary of the Assam Children’s Literature Trust, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. “Tezpur, the sacred land of Jyoti, Bishnu, and Natya Surya, has always inspired me. Postmasteror Sadhu reflects life’s emotions, experiences, and realities from multiple perspectives,” he said. He urged society to revive the culture of reading, especially among the youth. “Books open the mind and expand our vision. We must reignite the joy of reading to build a thoughtful and creative society,” Goswami concluded.