Sometimes, a book is more than just a story; it becomes a conversation between its past, its present, and the people who read it. Continuing this spirit of literary engagement, The Bhawanipur Education Society College organised an insightful book reading and discussion session on Register Me as Kulbhushan on 10th August 2026 at the College Turf, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., which witnessed a footfall of approximately 60 students.

The open setting of the Turf added a unique charm to the session, as students from various departments gathered in large numbers to be part of the literary discussion. The event brought together Alka Saraogi, author of the original Hindi version of the book, and John Vater, translator and author of its English version, for a conversation about the book, its subject matter, and its relevance in contemporary society.

The session was moderated by Dr. Devina Gupta from the History Department and Dr. Vasundara Mishra from the Hindi Department. The authors were introduced by Prof. Champa Srinivasan of the Morning B.Com. Department, while Prof. Minakshi Chaturvedi, Vice Principal of the Morning B.Com. Department, mentored the event. The session was also graced by Dr. Debjani Ganguly, Vice Principal of the Arts Department and a member of the History Department.

The conversation offered students an opportunity to look at the book from both the author’s and the translator’s perspectives. Alka Saraogi discussed the ideas and subject matter behind the original Hindi work, while John Vater shared his experience of bringing the story to an English-speaking audience. A particularly interesting part of the discussion was the challenges involved in translating the book, including the process of retaining the essence and character of the original Hindi text while presenting it in another language.

The discussion also explored the continued relevance of the book in today’s society, leading to reflections on literature, language, and the changing ways in which people consume stories. The session eventually moved towards the idea that despite the growing influence of digital media, traditional forms of writing and storytelling continue to hold their own power and relevance.

The formal discussion was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, where students got the opportunity to directly engage with the author and translator. The event concluded on an especially engaging note with a book-signing session, allowing students to take home not just a signed copy but also the experience of having interacted with the minds behind the work.

The session served as a refreshing celebration of literature, translation, and meaningful conversation, reminding everyone that even in an increasingly digital world, a good book can still bring people together.

Reporter- Suvam Bardhan
Photographer- Dhritiman Banik, Gourav Chowdhury