Interview with Anjan Sarma, Writer, Editor – Mahabahu, from Assam, India.
In the heart of Assam, where words weave the soul of the land and knowledge flows like the Brahmaputra, lives a man whose pen has never known rest—Anjan Sarma. A writer, translator, editor, and entrepreneur, he stepped into the literary world in 1978 and has since carved a legacy of thought and expression across newspapers, books, and digital platforms. His voice echoes not only through printed pages but also through the corridors of learning, where he nurtures young minds as the guiding force behind Faculty MP High School. As a publisher and editor of a digital magazine, his vision bridges tradition and technology, fostering multicultural education with quiet determination. Anjan Sarma is not merely a name but a testament to a life devoted to the power of words and the promise of education:
“To NARIMAN’s readers, I offer this image of an Assamese, an Indigenous people of the North East India: kindred spirits to the Lebanese—people who value heritage, face life’s complexities with strength, and help build a more respectful, united world. Through Mahabahu, we proudly share this spirit with the globe.”
“I believe balancing literature and media is about staying rooted while embracing the world — much like the poets of Beirut.”
As someone deeply involved in both literature and media, how do you balance your creative and professional roles?
Balancing my creative and professional roles in literature and media has been both challenging and rewarding, rooted in aligning passion with purpose. Since starting my writing journey in 1978 and editing Mahabahu since 1980, I’ve always seen these roles as complementary, with a shared mission to preserve Assam’s cultural, intellectual, and indigenous heritage while engaging globally.
Creatively, literature allows me to explore the human experience — from writing books and articles to translating works like Kanak Lal Barua’s Early History of Kamarupa and Sudha Murthy’s Wise & Otherwise into Assamese, which requires both linguistic accuracy and emotional depth. Professionally, journalism demands a quicker pace with deadlines, editorial discipline, and societal responsibility. As Editor of Mahabahu, now a digital platform, we focus on global issues such as climate change, gender equality, and conflict, while also celebrating Assam’s identity. Projects like the 2023 Climate Issue featuring activists like Rituraj Phukan and Ms. Kakali Das, and overseeing the 1200-page 175 Years of Media in Assam and Beyond highlight how my creative and professional worlds intersect.
The key to balancing both is understanding how they connect. Creative writing nurtures empathy in my style of ‘informal’ journalism, and journalism sharpens the clarity of my literary voice. Through initiatives like the Bhavartha Swarup Memorial Mahabahu Award, tree plantation drives, and the Multicultural Educational Development Trust, I blend creativity with community service, mentoring future generations.
For readers in the Middle East, where literature and media are integral, It’s a delicate dance between heart and mind that I feel fortunate to live every day. What role do you think literature plays in shaping global perceptions and bridging cultural divides?
Literature is a universal language that crosses borders, shapes global views, and connects cultures. As a writer, I’ve seen how stories, poems, and translations help people understand each other better, building empathy and breaking down barriers.
When I translated Autobiography of a Yogi into Assamese, it wasn’t just about language—it was about sharing a spiritual journey that can connect with readers everywhere, including the Middle East, where deep spiritual traditions exist. Literature helps break stereotypes by giving a fuller, more human picture of people and cultures.
At Mahabahu, we use bilingual content to share Assam’s stories—from the power of the Brahmaputra to the history of the Assam Movement—with the world. By publishing diverse voices, we create space for cultural exchange, similar to how Beirut’s literary tradition brings Arab voices together.
Like Khalil Gibran and Mahmoud Darwish, whose words touched hearts globally, I hope the stories we publish through Mahabahu shine a light on Assam’s identity, resilience, and hope. Literature, at its best, brings people closer—and that is the mission I carry forward every day. In your experience, what are some common misconceptions that people from different cultures may have about each other?
From my work in literature, media, and socio-political movements—including with Indigenous Forum Assam, North East Indigenous Peoples Forum, and North East Information Technology Association—I’ve seen that many cultural misconceptions come from limited exposure, stereotypes, and simplified histories. I try to break these by promoting real stories, especially from Assam, which connect deeply with the Middle East’s own rich storytelling traditions.
One major misconception is thinking of cultures as one-dimensional. Assam is often reduced to images of jungles, tea gardens, floods, malaria, or insurgency—just as the Middle East is often seen only through the lens of conflict or religion. But both regions have deep, diverse identities. Through Mahabahu, we highlight Assam’s complexity and encourage others to do the same when looking at regions like the Middle East.
Another false belief is that cultural values always clash—seeing the East as overly traditional or the Middle East as strictly conservative. In reality, all cultures are dynamic, and people everywhere value peace, family, and creativity.
There’s also a misunderstanding about rural life. Assamese villages are often seen as cut off, but stories like Surjya Barthakur and Sudarshan Deka’s “Deroi Tea” carbon-free production, or Sanjeev Sarma’s decades-long journey from phone-based ticketing to modern railway systems, show their global outlook. The same applies to rural Middle Eastern communities, which also preserve and innovate culture.
To change these views, I support true storytelling and cultural exchange. With efforts like the Bhavartha Swarup Memorial Mahabahu Award and our participation in COP28 Dubai and COP29 Baku, we aim to replace assumptions with real understanding. I hope your readers see that whether in Assam or Beirut, our shared humanity shines through our stories. How do you see the future of online platforms like Mahabahu in fostering international cultural exchange?
As someone closely involved with Mahabahu, I believe online platforms like ours have a powerful role in building international cultural exchange. Since going digital in 2017, Mahabahu has grown from a regional bilingual magazine to a global platform that shares Assam’s rich heritage while addressing global issues. Articles by Assistant Editor Kakali Das—on Ukraine, the Amazon, and Africa—and Rituraj Phukan’s writings on his travels across the world and the two poles, show how deeply we’re connected to the global conversation.
The future of such platforms lies in democratizing storytelling. By offering multilingual content, we help Assam’s stories—like the Brahmaputra’s ecology or Kamrupa’s history—reach audiences from Beirut to Boston. For readers in the Middle East, where green projects are growing, these shared themes open doors to collaboration.
Digital platforms also break borders, giving a poet in Assam or a storyteller in Lebanon the chance to share their voice worldwide. They preserve culture while embracing new tools. Our digitization of 175 Years of Media in Assam and Beyond shows how preserving history can inspire others, including platforms in the Middle East, to protect their own oral and literary traditions.
Going forward, using videos, podcasts, and interactive tools will make cultural exchange even stronger—just like the Middle East’s digital storytelling movement. But with this power comes responsibility. Platforms must stay authentic and respectful. At Mahabahu, we hold high editorial standards, focus on indigenous rights, gender equality, and global justice, and engage in global events like COP28 and COP29 under UNFCCC accreditation to grow our impact and credibility.
Can you share a memorable experience where your work in Mahabahu or elsewhere helped build a meaningful connection between people from different cultural backgrounds?
One of the most meaningful experiences with Mahabahu was during the release of our 2023 climate change issue at COP28 in Dubai. It marked a global moment—when Assamese voices connected with international delegates, including many from the Middle East, over a shared commitment to protecting the planet. We also received a heartfelt letter from Ukraine’s Digital Ministry for our ongoing coverage after the Russian invasion, and Afghan women reached out with their powerful stories following the Taliban’s return. These connections showed Mahabahu’s growing global impact.
The issue brought Assam’s challenges—like the Brahmaputra’s shifting ecology—into conversation with global climate struggles. Rituraj Phukan’s articles from his Arctic and Antarctic journeys helped highlight how climate justice is a shared concern. At COP28, our talks with delegates from the UAE and Saudi Arabia revealed similarities between Assam’s floods and the Middle East’s fight against desertification.
What stood out most was a moment when a young Assamese writer bonded with a Middle Eastern environmentalist over their love for storytelling. Rooted in Assamese and Arabic traditions, they used poetry and narrative to advocate for the planet. It was a powerful reminder of how shared values—like love for rivers or hope for a better future—can bridge cultures.
Just as Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry united hearts, Mahabahu’s bilingual storytelling connects Guwahati to Beirut and beyond. These bonds, built on empathy and respect, are what drive our work forward.What are some challenges you face in promoting cross-cultural understanding, and how do you overcome them?
Promoting cross-cultural understanding through Mahabahu is both rewarding and challenging. Working from Assam, we’ve learned that connecting with global audiences—especially in places like the Middle East—requires patience, honesty, and respect for cultural dialogue.
One big challenge is language. Though we publish in Assamese and English, not everyone in regions like the Middle East reads these languages. This limits access to stories about Assam’s indigenous rights, environment, and culture. To solve this, we are exploring multilingual summaries and translations, inspired by platforms in the Middle East that use Arabic, English, and French.
Another challenge is cultural sensitivity. Topics like climate change, gender equality, and indigenous rights mean different things in different places. We respond by handling every topic with empathy and context, allowing room for respectful conversations instead of imposing ideas.
We also face resource limitations. Competing with large global media outlets can be tough, but we stay strong through creative digital tools and partnerships—like with the Multicultural Educational Development Trust—which help us grow and stay impactful.
These challenges don’t discourage us. They push us to keep building bridges through storytelling. Every step in this journey reminds us that, with care and creativity, stories can unite people across cultures. What advice would you give to young writers or journalists who aspire to contribute to global cultural dialogue?
To young writers and journalists who want to join the global cultural dialogue, my advice—shaped by over four decades with Mahabahu—is clear: be authentic, stay curious, and use your voice to build bridges. Whether you’re starting in Assam, Beirut, Dubai, Kyiv, or London, your story matters. Like the Middle East’s great literary voices, you too can connect the world through words.
First, stay rooted in your culture—it’s your strength. I began my journey writing about Assam’s rivers, folklore, and spirit, even when we lacked today’s digital tools. What we had were dreams. Today, with the internet, smartphones, and global platforms, you can go further, faster—just as Mahabahu did when we went digital in 2017. Your sincere story can reach the world.
Second, be a lifelong learner. Read from other cultures—Rumi, African folktales, Latin American journalism. My own experience translating Autobiography of a Yogi into Assamese taught me to respect a culture’s soul while making it relatable. Write beyond borders. Blend your heritage with global forms—like Middle Eastern poets who mix classical Arabic with modern rhythms.
Third, use digital media wisely—social media, podcasts, blogs, online magazines. Prioritize quality over instant fame. Middle Eastern youth are leading a digital storytelling wave; you can too, with purpose and creativity.
Fourth, expect challenges—language gaps, rejection, limited resources. Don’t let them stop you. Every obstacle will shape you into a better storyteller.
Finally, write with purpose. Let your voice speak on issues like climate change, gender equality, identity, and peace. Literature heals and unites—just as Mahmoud Darwish and Adonis have shown. You, too, can inspire empathy and action.
To all young writers in NARIMAN and beyond: your voice is powerful. Begin small, stay true, and dream big. The world is listening.
“To NARIMAN’s readers: your stories of struggle and strength are powerful. Share them—they are part of our global story.” How do you envision the role of media and literature in addressing global challenges such as poverty, conflict, and inequality?
As a writer deeply rooted in indigenous, historical, and cultural narratives, I see media and literature as powerful tools to tackle global issues like poverty, conflict, and inequality. From Assam to the Middle East—where resilience is part of our story—these mediums can inform, inspire, and unite people, giving voice to the unheard and pushing for real change.
Media, with its wide reach, acts as a watchdog and educator. At Mahabahu, we use journalism to highlight key issues like climate change and its impact on rural Assam. Our stories about sustainable farming show how eco-friendly practices can help poor farmers—a vision that echoes Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its focus on sustainable development. By combining strong data with human stories, media can change minds and influence policies.
Media also helps reduce conflict by promoting open dialogue. In Assam, shaped by events like the Assam Agitation, Mahabahu aims for balanced reporting that builds understanding. This aligns with Middle Eastern media efforts that promote peace amid complex politics. Our bilingual Assamese and English platform connects local stories with global readers, building solidarity on issues like gender inequality.
Literature, too, builds empathy. Through the Bhavartha Swarup Memorial Award, Mahabahu has published essays by young writers on climate and social challenges, much like Arabic literature that captures refugee and displacement experiences. These stories remind us of our shared humanity.
Challenges remain—misinformation and lack of access to books in rural areas are major issues. We tackle this with strict editorial standards and free digital content. Partnerships like with the Multicultural Educational Development Trust help us reach rural readers—something that could also benefit communities in the Middle East.
Looking ahead, I dream of stronger links between media and literature to spark global hope and action. Imagine an article on Assam’s women-led cooperatives appearing beside a Middle Eastern novel on women’s empowerment—together they can build cross-border solidarity. By uplifting honest stories and marginalized voices, we can create a more caring and just world.
To NARIMAN’s readers: your stories of struggle and strength are powerful. Share them—they are part of our global story. Why do you seek, in Mahabahu magazine, to attract journalists from all over the world, and how do you see the impact of these bridges on communities?
At Mahabahu, our goal to attract journalists from around the world stems from a core belief: diverse voices are key to building a platform that reflects the complexities of our global society. Journalism, to us, is a bridge that connects cultures, fosters understanding, and empowers communities by sharing stories that transcend borders. By inviting contributors from regions like the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Mongolia, Myanmar, and beyond, we aim to create a dynamic mix of perspectives that not only enrich Mahabahu but also inspire positive change in communities worldwide, including Assam and the Middle East.
Engaging global journalists expands Mahabahu’s narrative horizons. A writer from Beirut, for instance, could highlight similarities between Assam’s community-driven conservation efforts and Lebanon’s environmental movements, enhancing our climate discourse. A contributor from Cairo could add valuable insights on gender equality, strengthening our coverage of women’s empowerment in Assam’s villages. This diversity ensures Mahabahu stays connected to universal issues like poverty, climate change, indigenous rights, and cultural preservation.
These bridges are not just symbolic; they lead to real action. Articles co-authored by writers from Assam and the Middle East spark conversations that lead to youth-driven environmental campaigns, cross-cultural education, and new activism models. This inclusive, global approach resonates deeply, especially in the Middle East, where media has long united Arab voices.
By attracting journalists worldwide, Mahabahu builds a mosaic of stories that honors local identities and fosters global solidarity. These bridges strengthen communities, inspire empathy, and remind us that our shared humanity transcends any border.
What does the Indian community know about us, the Lebanese, and how do they perceive us?
The Indian community’s knowledge of Lebanon is shaped by cultural ties, historical connections, and diplomatic relations. India, with its deep historical ties to the Middle East, has a growing awareness of Lebanon, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati, where global dialogues are valued. Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage—its Phoenician legacy, cuisine, literature, and music—is well appreciated, with Khalil Gibran’s works having a significant place in Indian literary circles. Lebanese people are often seen as stylish, hospitable, and culturally sophisticated, blending tradition with modernity, which resonates with India’s evolving identity.
India’s diplomatic ties further strengthen these perceptions. India’s role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1998 and its support during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War through Operation Sukoon reflect solidarity and mutual respect. India’s support for the Palestinian cause also aligns with Lebanese values.
However, perceptions can vary, especially in rural areas or among communities less exposed to global media. Lebanon’s religious diversity and progressive elements, such as women’s growing participation in politics, are sometimes overshadowed by stereotypes or regional conflict news.
The Indian diaspora in Lebanon, working mainly in construction, agriculture, and services, plays a key role in shaping perceptions. Their positive stories about Lebanese warmth and hospitality contrast with some challenges they face, such as class-based discrimination. These experiences, though significant, don’t define the overall relationship.
For readers in regions like Assam, Lebanon is seen as a symbol of cultural fusion and resilience. While some misconceptions remain, media, literature, and personal connections are gradually building a more informed and empathetic relationship. Platforms like Mahabahu can help strengthen these bonds, celebrating our shared humanity.
“I want the world to recognize our resilience. India has overcome colonialism, economic hardship, and social struggles—just as Lebanon has shown courage through its conflicts.” What image would you like the world to have of the Indian people?
I hope the world sees the Indian people as diverse, resilient, and compassionate—a nation of 1.4 billion with many languages, religions, and traditions, living together in harmony. India is a blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation, much like Lebanon, which balances rich heritage with present-day dynamism.
At Mahabahu, through bilingual content in Assamese and English, we share stories from indigenous tribes to urban changemakers, just as Middle Eastern media highlights voices from Arab, Druze, and Christian communities. Our strength lies not in being the same, but in embracing our differences—something that deeply connects us with Lebanon’s multicultural spirit.
I want the world to recognize our resilience. India has overcome colonialism, economic hardship, and social struggles—just as Lebanon has shown courage through its conflicts. From community kitchens to rural cooperatives, our everyday compassion reflects the Middle East’s warm tradition of hospitality.
I also hope to break stereotypes that reduce India to poverty or disorder. Yes, we have challenges, but we are also a country where women lead in science and politics, and young people drive digital change.
To NARIMAN’s readers, I offer this image of an Assamese, an Indigenous people of the North East India: kindred spirits to the Lebanese—people who value heritage, face life’s complexities with strength, and help build a more respectful, united world. Through Mahabahu, we proudly share this spirit with the globe.