STAFF REPORTER
Thimphu
On 22nd June, ‘Druknandini’ a Hindi novel based on history, culture and heritage, composed by prominent novelist Sumindra Chowdhury from New Delhi and published by Anamika Prakashan from Prayagraj, was successfully released.
The author Sumindra Chofwdhury who visited Bhutan several times from 2012 to 2016 could not stop himself from falling in love with pristine nature, mesmerizing land scape, rich culture and real sense of happiness existing among Bhutanese in Bhutan which has been expressed in his novel ‘Druknandini’.
Sumindra Chowdhury is a mechanical engineer currently working at Kobelco Construction Equipment. He morphed himself to a Literature engineer during covid pandemic had composed seven books in Assamese, Hindi & English.
Of his five books, two are collection of self-composed essays and stories. Because of his endeavours and love of literature, Chowdhury was recognized by the India Book of Record in 2022.
His latest novel ‘Druknandini’, meaning Beautiful Bhutanese Lass, explores the cultural and historical ties between Bhutan and India, with a romantic twist.
The novel features characters like Abhinandan, an engineer from Assam and Archarya from Punakha. The story also meanders across spiritual beliefs and redemption.
The book was released by Prof Anil Sahashrabudhe, Chairmen NAAC, former Professor of Guwahati IIT & NERIST, E. MOSES, Director, Kobelco India, Dr. Sushil Kr Jain, Sr Surgeon, Appollo Hospital, Vijay Michihito Batra, Leadership Coach & S. K Yadav, Sr Official, Govt of India in presence of many distinguished guest.
Among others, the author has well depicted about the rich history, tradition, culture, philosophy of Lam Drukpa Kuenley, stories about the Tiger Nest monastery, Chimi Lhakhang, Nabji Lakhang, mystical Khandrom, myth of Yab Yume, Migoi and Mishum, and controversial Night Hunting practises of Bhutan in this novel.
The novel is dedicated to His majesty The King and Queen of Bhutan.
Druknandini: A synopsis
During the medieval period, a war took place among five great lamas from Tibet (Lam Kha Nga) and a Kingdom named ‘Drukyul’ emerged in the lap of Himalayas between Tibet and India. Since then, the Kingdom was known by outside world as Bhutan and later as “Last Changri-La” by the Western World.
After many centuries a person named, Abhinandan Chowdhury, a mechanical engineer from Assam who was working in an established Multi National Corporation, visited Bhutan and found his love for Achara a girl from Punakha. But unfortunately, the fiancée of Abhinandan become victim of Bomena, the night hunting practise or going towards a girl.
That horrific incident traumatized and saddened Achara very much where she decided to become anim (nun) with the strong resolution to uproot all types of evil practises and left for Tibet secretly. After sudden disappearance of Achara, Abhinandan felt abandoned and broke down. Finally, he also decided to left for Taktsang monastery to become a monk in search of ‘Sthita Prajnya’ (stable wisdom).
