Shillong, 26 March : The Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) Press, in collaboration with the School of Languages and Cultural Communication (SLCC), successfully hosted the launch of The Tea Planter, a book by noted author Brian D Kharpran Daly, at the university’s Umsawli Campus on Wednesday, 26th March 2025.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr Evarisha Mercy Syiem, Dean of SLCC, who expressed her appreciation for the author and the significance of the book. Idaaijinghun Nangsiej presented a beautiful welcome song, adding a melodious touch to the occasion.
The author, Brian D Kharpran Daly, introduced The Tea Planter, sharing that the book stemmed from old notes from his father’s hunting days. While he has written several books, he highlighted that this one was exceptional, as he had to adapt fiction from facts. The novel explores themes such as tiger hunting in Assam, the belief in the power of tiger whiskers for protection and using it against one’s enemy, the isolated life in tea gardens, and aspects of life in Ireland, concluding with a poem at the end of the novel.
The book was officially launched by Patricia Mukhim, editor of The Shillong Times, who also graced the event as the chief guest. In her address, she encouraged everyone to get a copy of the book, acknowledging that while Brian was known for writing about caves, this novel came as a surprise. She found the novel engaging and well-written, touching on themes of love, romance, death, and an instance of poisoning. Additionally, she encouraged attendees, mostly students, to write about their experiences, as there will always be readers eager to learn from them.
Dr Glenn Kharkongor, Chancellor, MLCU, spoke briefly and shared his long-standing friendship with Brian, with whom he has a common passion for books. Dr Kharkongor expressed his admiration for Brian’s extensive work on caves and speleology. He noted that this was Brian’s fourth novel and recalled their shared experiences of exploring caves together, where they discovered seams of fossils. Dr Kharkongor also credited Brian for bringing significant attention to Meghalaya, particularly in the field of cave exploration. He encouraged those who have never visited caves to take the opportunity to explore and appreciate their beauty.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, delivered by Dr Clarissa Jane Rajee, an assistant professor at SLCC. She expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, faculty members, and students for making the event a success. Following this, an interactive session was held, where the author engaged with students, faculty, and attendees, answering questions about his book and sharing further insights into his writing process.
Organised by MLCU Press and SLCC, the event saw enthusiastic participation from the university community and literary enthusiasts, making it a memorable celebration of literature.
