In a momentous gathering at the Press Club, Kolkata, Deep Prakashan officially released its new novel, Rustam Khan S/O Noakhali, written by IAS Officer C. Murugan. Alongside the original release, its Bengali version, Noakhalir Rustam Khan, was also unveiled to the public. The launching ceremony was graced by eminent author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay and noted actress Gargee Roychowdhury. 

​Set against the harrowing backdrop of the riots that erupted in Kolkata following the Direct Action Day and the subsequent communal violence in Noakhali, the novel explores a profound, unsettling question: Does humanity exist for religion, or does religion exist for humanity? 

​The narrative follows Rustam Khan, a young man from Lamchar, who dreams of Nilanjana, the daughter of a zamindar. However, formidable barriers of religion, class, and political unrest stand between them. After seeking his fortune in Calcutta, Rustam is drawn back to Noakhali by a twist of fate, where love becomes intertwined with the ultimate duty to save lives. As hatred and death shadow the world, Rustam must decide where he stands amidst a society struggling to recognize itself. 

​Author C. Murugan shared the inspiration behind his work, noting that spending over two decades of his career in West Bengal fostered a deep connection with the landscape and people of the state. Gathering information from sources such as the Grand Tower Hotel in Sealdah, he sought to reflect upon the lives of those who migrated to Calcutta seeking employment and the innocent lives lost to communal violence. 

​“Through this story, I wanted to convey a simple yet profound message—we must not judge people solely by their religious identities, but should instead see the humanity and compassion that lie within them”, said Mr. Murugan.

​Describing the book as a poignant novel written with passion and heart, Mr. Mondal, Proprietor of Deep Prakashan, stated that the narrative brilliantly interweaves Bengal’s history with its culture, traditions, and folklore. Deep Prakashan is certain that readers will deeply resonate with this powerful story of courage, identity, and endurance.

The books are priced at Rs 450 and will be readily available across bookstores and online platforms.

Priyanka Dutta