An Assamese writer in love with Malayalam

KOZHIKODE: Imagine an Assamese litterateur reciting Malayalam poems in  Kerala schools?  That is what Bipul Regon, 32,  likes to do because he is so enchanted with Malayalam.

He came here all the way from Assam in 2009 and after learning the language, he is ready to publish  35 Malayalam poems.

“The people of North-East are strangers to  Malayalam. But that factor attracted me and the richness of Malayalam literature holds me here,” Bipul told Deccan Chronicle.

In 2009, he completed a one year Malayalam diploma course from the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore,  and landed in Kerala.

Every year after spending a few months here, he goes back to his native place Majuli, the river island in Assam.  “I can’t pronounce Malayalam properly but can speak and write well.

As the syntax and grammar still pose problems, I check with Malayali  friends to edit the poems,” he adds.

His poems like ‘Enda sukham alle’, ‘Kashmir Kanya’, ‘Vayal’ and  ‘Aasamegham’ have already been discussed in literary circles. “His works provide good insights into people’s lives.

The love, passion and struggles of Assamese people are his subjects,” observed noted Malayalam writer Vaisakhan. Bipul has published seven novels in Assamese.

Bipul used to sell ‘poetry-filled matchbox’ in his state to propagate literature. He removed  the match sticks from the box and put paper roll with poetry written on it, charging Rs 5 per box.

“All the tribals from North-East are supposed to be   proficient in four languages after the completion of higher education.

Apart from Assamese and the tribal language ‘Mising,’  Bipul learnt Hindi and English. This linguistic passion has made him fall in love with Malayalam,” said V. Abdul Latheef, a writer and teacher in Kozhikode.

A PG degree-holder in Hindi, Bipul Regon says he wants to learn Urdu too  to understand the nuances of ghazals. Currently, he is attending a coaching class for NET exam at DIET in Vadakara.