On 15 August 2021, Afghanistan was completely taken over by the Taliban, after decades of war and political, social, and economic instability. This has caused political tension and has also wreaked havoc in the lives of the people in Afghanistan.

Amitabha Ray, an Indian Government representative, on a United Nations mission, spent some time between 2007 and 2008 in Kabul. Ray recounted his ‘high-risk’ living experience in the capital of the battle-worn nation. However, he was awestruck by its unique landscape, ancient heritage, and the natural warmth of its people. In Kabulnama (translated from Bengali and published in English in 2013), he paid his tribute to those tumultuous years, lending a glimpse into the life of the common Afghan. Despite the chaos, there is beauty, culture, travel, food, and people of the land and its strife-laden history.

The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the author in an exclusive chat over this book Kabulnama. Excerpts..

Your book is coming out during a time when Afghanistan has been taken over by the Taliban. What exactly motivated you to write Kabulnama?

Amitabha Ray– Kabulnama was originally written in Bengali and published in 2010. Subsequently, it was translated into English and brought out.

Kabulnama is an interesting name for the book. Why did you opt for such a name?

Amitabha Ray- Thank You!! The name is influenced by Baburnama.

What are your fondest memories of your stay in Afghanistan?

Amitabha Ray- Despite the chaos and confusion going on in Afghanistan, my fondest memories are about school-going children attending music classes regularly.

You went to Afghanistan as a government representative on a United Nations Mission. What kind of hurdles did you face while working there?

Amitabha Ray- Language was definitely a hurdle. Apart from this, the suffocating environment created much mental pressure.

The Taliban have taken over the country now. How much do you think will this impact Afghanistan that has been constantly trying to reconstruct itself post 9/11?

Amitabha Ray- According to my opinion, the economy may face severe problems as State resources are yet to be collected regularly.

How much time did it take to write the book?

Amitabha Ray- It took me a year to complete the manuscript.

With your book, how much do you think the readers will become enlightened about the happenings in Afghanistan?

Amitabha Ray- My original Bengali book from which the translation has been done is now considered as a basic book on Afghanistan.

What is next in line for you as an author?

Amitabha Ray- My next book will be on rat-hole mining in Jowai, Meghalaya.

Kabulnama is available in both English and Bengali. If you want to know about Afghanistan in detail, this book will make for a good read.