Assam’s Hiteshwar Raj Bongshi Wins Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 for Debut Book “Drama & Dividends”

In a significant moment for Assamese literature and the Indian literary landscape, Hiteshwar Raj Bongshi has been conferred with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation. The award, given annually to emerging voices in literature, recognizes Hiteshwar as the Best Debut Author for his groundbreaking work, “Drama & Dividends.” A resident of Assam and currently serving as the Regional Compliance Officer at Indian Overseas Bank in Guwahati, Hiteshwar’s foray into the literary world marks a remarkable convergence of finance and storytelling.

“Drama & Dividends” is anything but a conventional finance book. At a time when most finance-related literature is steeped in jargon and abstract numerical data, Hiteshwar’s debut is a breath of fresh air. The book crafts an emotional and intellectually enriching tale set during a vibrant theatre festival in Delhi, blending financial wisdom with the drama of life. At the heart of the story are Raj, a seasoned banker, and his daughter Rahi, an energetic theatre student. As they journey through a week of theatrical performances, they also navigate life’s financial truths—creating an experience that’s as enlightening as it is heartwarming.

Each chapter of the book cleverly mirrors a financial concept with a corresponding stage play, making complex ideas like budgeting, credit, retirement planning, and legacy creation feel tangible and relatable. For instance, a tragic play on loss serves as a metaphorical entry point into discussions on life insurance and financial preparedness. Similarly, a light-hearted comedy about mistaken identities parallels lessons on credit scores and financial responsibility.

What sets “Drama & Dividends” apart is not just its educational value but the emotional depth Hiteshwar weaves into his narrative. The evolving relationship between Raj and Rahi forms the emotional core of the story, underscoring how financial literacy is not merely a personal necessity, but a shared familial journey. This innovative blend of drama and finance renders the book both accessible to general readers and deeply informative for those seeking financial guidance.

Speaking at the award ceremony hosted by the Veyil Foundation, the jury praised Hiteshwar’s unique narrative technique and his ability to demystify complex financial topics without compromising on literary quality. “It’s rare to see a debut author navigate two seemingly distant worlds—finance and theatre—with such finesse,” remarked one of the panelists.

For Hiteshwar, this recognition is not just an accolade but a stepping stone toward further literary pursuits. “I wanted to write a book that educates without preaching, that feels like a conversation rather than a lecture,” he shared during his acceptance speech. “Drama & Dividends is not just about money—it’s about understanding, connection, and storytelling.”

With this honor, Hiteshwar Raj Bongshi joins the ranks of promising Indian authors redefining how we approach serious subjects in literature. As “Drama & Dividends” continues to garner acclaim, it’s clear that his voice is one to watch in the coming years.