Grit & Glory: How India’s Northeast was Transformed One Heart at a Time, a book penned by acclaimed author Abhijit Joag, was released on 26 September 2026 at NEDFi Convention Centre in the city. Rajiv Kr Bora, IAS (retired) released the book in the gracious presence of senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharaks Haribhau Mirasdar and Ulhas Kulkarni on the dais. Presided over by journalist Nava Thakuria, the meeting witnessed a large number of RSS Karyakartas and civil society representatives.
Published by New Delhi-based Suruchi Prakashan, the book, with 300 pages and priced at Rs 445, is forwarded by Union minister Nitin Gadkari. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat stated as saying, “The book is an inspiring word picture of the dedication and grit with which many young workers of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Rashtra Sevika Samiti transformed the North-East of Bharat, which will create the same grit and dedication in the youth of Bharat so that our sacred motherland will attain supreme glory to the benefit of all mankind.”
The book narrates the stories of individuals who worked with Sangh for social transformation in northeast India, where many had to sacrifice their precious lives. It also focuses on the history, challenges and social transformation of the region, surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (now under China), Myanmar and Bangladesh, with special attention to the pracharaks and other volunteers associated with RSS affiliated organisations. It contains inputs from hundreds of RSS volunteers from across the nation turning the book as a treasure of hope and aspiration for billions of Bharatiyas.
Inaugurating the book, Bora mentioned the challenges faced by RSS workers in the initial years in the region. Many RSS pracharaks even lost their lives while working, he added. Mirasdar revealed that the RSS started working for the region in 1946 from Guwahati, and its expansion remained slow for many years. However, the Sangh workers faced all challenges and led the RSS to a greater height soon. Kulkarni, in his speech, narrated how the Sangh volunteers were hated by a section in north-eastern society even though the RSS supported the Assam Agitation against the illegal migrants from Bangladesh.
Thakuria, in his closing remarks, emphasized credible reporting on the RSS and its activities by the media outlets. At the beginning of the program, Pushpanjali was offered in front of the Bharat Mata portrait by the distinguished guests. The program was anchored by Nabamita Deb, where a Borgeet was performed by Rita Bhuyan, and vote of thanks was offered by Hirak Sarma. It ended with the singing full version of ‘Vande Mataram’, the national song of Bharat.
