Guwahati — In contemporary Assamese literature, few voices carry the combination of courage, versatility and empathy found in the work of writer, journalist and social worker Manisha Sarma. Hailing from Jalukbari, Guwahati, Sarma has built a distinct literary identity over the past decade, one defined less by comfortable observation than by direct, often dangerous, immersion in the lives of the communities she writes about.

While her body of work already spans poetry, short stories, novels, plays and essays, it is her approach to research that has drawn particular attention. Refusing to write about marginalised lives from a distance, Sarma has repeatedly stepped into restricted and stigmatised spaces to gather her material firsthand, pushing past social taboos in the process.

A Foundation Built on Values and Resilience

Manisha Sarma is the daughter of educator and writer Nripendra Nath Sarma and Bharati Devi, and she grew up in a household shaped by academic rigour and a strong sense of social responsibility. Her own path to a literary career, however, was not a straightforward one. Financial and family hardships interrupted her education at various points, and she married businessman JituMani Sarma early, in 2002.

Rather than closing the door on her ambitions, marriage marked a turning point supported by those around her. With the backing of her husband, her family and eventually her son, Sarma went on to complete her Master’s degree after marriage, before fully committing herself to literary and social work — a decision that would come to define the following two decades of her life.

Fearless Fieldwork in Restricted Spaces

What sets Sarma apart from many of her literary peers is her insistence on direct, ground-level research, even when that research takes her into some of the most sensitive and difficult environments in the country. Most notably, she has conducted fieldwork in heavily restricted red-light districts, including Kolkata’s Sonagachi, one of Asia’s largest red-light areas, along with several other similarly taboo locations.

As a woman entering these spaces, Sarma’s presence itself represented a boundary being tested. Rather than observing from a distance, she spent time directly interacting with sex workers in these communities, listening to their lived realities and documenting their daily struggles with what has been described as profound dignity. Her stated approach has consistently avoided judgment, framing her work instead around two goals: authentically researching the conditions faced by these communities for her writing, and using her platform to actively advocate for their human rights and welfare.

An Investigative Spirit Across Regions and Themes

Sarma’s fieldwork is not limited to red-light districts. Her investigative approach has taken her across a wide range of regions and social themes, each feeding directly into a specific body of published work.

• Red-Light Districts & Marginalised Lives — Groundwork conducted in Sonagachi and other restricted areas inspired powerful writings that highlight human suffering, resilience and rights within these communities.
• Cultural & Regional Studies — Immersive research across Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul in Uttar Pradesh produced Braj Bhumir Baibhav, while her exploration of Assam’s local folklore, centred on Mayong, resulted in Chonokar Rod.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict — Field investigations into the ongoing human-elephant conflict in Assam led to her acclaimed book Hati Aru Phandi as well as the script for the film Manuh Khowa Hati.

A Prolific and Recognised Literary Career

Sarma’s writing career began with her first poetry publication in Asamiya Pratidin, and has since grown into a substantial body of stories, novels, plays and essays published across more than a decade. Her notable works include Sukhor Madakatat Dukhor Banya (2014); Rodon, Kalcakra, Samay Sanglap, Rupali Jonak and Jonakar Borosun, all published simultaneously in 2018; Mon Ciyahir Rong (2020) and Kathopakathan (2021); Nishiddha Duwar alongside the bestseller Teje Dhowa Kolijar Ucupani (2022); and more recently, Jibanor Okowa Pokowa Aliyedi (2023) and Bhem (2024).

This substantial and varied output has earned Sarma a wide range of accolades. She received the Basanti Bordoloi Award (2020) from the Assam Sahitya Sabha for her novel Rodon, the Japan Ukiyoto Publishing Women Writer of the Year (2022), and the Babu Jagjivan Ram National Award (2022). More recently, she was named Best Novel of the Year at the National Sports and Cultural Festival (2026) and received recognition at the Kolkata International Micro Film Festival (2026) for Aadamkhor Hathi, a further extension of her work on human-elephant conflict into film.

A Voice for Change Beyond the Page

Sarma’s work extends well beyond her published writing. She currently serves as a journalist for Pragjyotish, bringing the same investigative instincts that shape her literary fieldwork into her reporting. Alongside this, she holds a leadership role as District Director for Kamrup Metro with the Human Rights International Organization, and serves as Bureau Chief of Assam for Rastra Sangbad Org.

In addition to these formal roles, Sarma remains actively involved with environmental, literary and youth organisations, reflecting a broader commitment to social engagement that runs parallel to, and often intersects directly with, her literary output.

Literature as a Tool for Social Transformation

Across her body of work, Manisha Sarma has consistently demonstrated that literature can function as more than an artistic exercise. By stepping into restricted spaces — from Sonagachi’s red-light district to the folklore-rich landscapes of Mayong and the conflict zones between humans and elephants in Assam — she has used her writing as a vehicle for documenting lives that might otherwise remain unseen.

Her approach, combining fearless fieldwork with a prolific literary output and an active role in journalism and human rights advocacy, has positioned her as a distinctive figure in contemporary Assamese literature. As her list of published works and accolades continues to grow, Sarma’s willingness to step past societal taboos in pursuit of authentic storytelling remains the defining thread running through her career.

About Manisha Sarma

Manisha Sarma is an Assamese writer, journalist and social worker based in Jalukbari, Guwahati. Known for her immersive field research into marginalised communities, including sex workers in Kolkata’s Sonagachi and the human-elephant conflict in Assam, she has authored numerous acclaimed novels, story collections, plays and essays. Her honours include the Basanti Bordoloi Award, the Japan Ukiyoto Publishing Women Writer of the Year, the Babu Jagjivan Ram National Award, and recognition at the National Sports and Cultural Festival and the Kolkata International Micro Film Festival. She currently works as a journalist for Pragjyotish and holds leadership roles with the Human Rights International Organization and Rastra Sangbad Org.

Mumbai: Actor and Producer Veeir Chaudary is making a strong impact in the digital entertainment space with his latest web series ‘Hotel Hooneymoon Deluxe’, which he has released on his own YouTube channel ‘Veeir Chaudary’. Released in five chapters, the suspense-driven web series has been attracting viewers and has already received millions of views, creating a buzz among digital audiences.

What makes Hotel Hooneymoon Deluxe interesting is its combination of romance, mystery, suspense and survival. Inspired by a real incident, the story revolves around a couple who arrive at a hotel during their honeymoon, expecting to spend some memorable time together. However, their romantic trip soon turns into a terrifying experience when they find themselves trapped inside the hotel.

As the story progresses, the couple discovers the dark and disturbing history of the hotel. According to the storyline, several couples had stayed at the same hotel before them and were allegedly killed by the hotel staff. The couple is now faced with a frightening question — will they manage to escape the hotel, or will they become the next victims?

The five-chapter format allows the story to gradually unfold, keeping the suspense alive and encouraging viewers to continue watching to discover what happens next.

Veeir Chaudary has taken on multiple responsibilities for the project. Along with playing the lead character, he is also the producer of Hotel Hooneymoon Deluxe. His involvement both in front of and behind the camera reflects his expanding journey in the entertainment industry.

Before making his mark with digital content, Veeir Chaudary has been associated with 100+ songs across Hindi, Haryanvi and Punjabi music. He has also worked in numerous films, web series and short films. Some of his popular music projects include ‘Gangwarr’, ‘Strugglerr’, ‘Strugglerr 2’, ‘Thanedar’ and ‘Shooter Khakee Vardi’, among others.

The actor-producer is now also focusing on upcoming music and entertainment projects through his production house Veeir Filmz Entertainment.

His upcoming line-up includes the Hindi song ‘Piya Ree’, featuring Mansi Pandey and composed by Kaushal Mahavir, along with Haryanvi projects ‘Love Marriage’, ‘Jaat No. 1’ and ‘Bande’, where Veeir Chaudary will also be seen acting.

With Hotel Hooneymoon Deluxe receiving a strong digital response, Veeir Chaudary is steadily expanding his presence as an actor, producer and content creator, while bringing more original entertainment projects directly to audiences through his YouTube channel.

Delhi/Uttarakhand — In a space often associated with expensive courses and paid mentorships, 25-year-old Vibhu Kandwal has built a name for himself by giving trading knowledge away for free. Based between Delhi and Uttarakhand, Kandwal is the founder of Dropout Kid Trading (DKT), a page dedicated to forex and cryptocurrency education that has grown into one of the more recognisable trading-education brands among younger Indian traders.

Kandwal describes himself as having spent more than seven years immersed in the forex and crypto trading world, a period during which he moved from learning the markets himself to teaching others. For the past six years, he says, his primary focus has been sharing that knowledge with his growing audience without charging for it, a decision that has shaped how his brand is perceived within India’s crowded trading-education space.

Why ‘Dropout Kid’

The name Dropout Kid Trading reflects the personal story Kandwal has built his public identity around: stepping away from a conventional path to pursue trading independently. Rather than treating this as a setback, he has turned it into the foundation of his brand, using it to connect with an audience of young, self-taught traders who may be exploring financial markets outside of traditional education or career routes.

This narrative runs consistently across his platforms. His YouTube channel banner describes the page as covering “Forex, Crypto, Trader Life,” while his Instagram bio leads with “Entrepreneur” and “Forex Trading,” positioning him less as a formal educator and more as a peer who has already walked the path his audience is currently on.

Free Education as the Core Offer

According to Kandwal, more than 2,000 students have received free trading education through his content over the years. This education is distributed primarily through daily YouTube uploads, regular Instagram posts, and a Telegram community where subscribers can follow live market commentary. His Telegram channel’s pinned message offers a free e-book as an entry point for new members, reinforcing the free-access model that runs through his content strategy.

This approach sets him apart from trading educators who monetise primarily through paid signal groups or mentorship programmes. Kandwal’s public messaging consistently frames his content as a resource for people who want to learn to trade without having to pay for access to basic knowledge.

The DKT Concept

At the centre of Kandwal’s teaching is what he calls the DKT concept, a trading framework he says he developed himself over years of studying and trading the forex and crypto markets. He describes it as an accurate and reliable approach to market analysis, and it forms the backbone of much of the educational content he shares with his audience, from YouTube tutorials to live commentary shared through his Telegram community.

While specific details of any personal trading methodology are proprietary to its creator, Kandwal has built his public profile around the idea that the DKT concept can be learned and applied by traders at different experience levels, which he presents as central to his mission of making trading education accessible.

A Multi-Skilled Trader

Kandwal’s profile lists a range of skills tied to financial markets, describing himself as a trader, professional market analyst, hedge fund manager and financial market mentor. This combination reflects the dual nature of his public work — educational content aimed at newer traders, alongside market analysis and commentary aimed at a more engaged, active trading audience following his Telegram community.

He has also listed a number of competitive trading recognitions on his profile, including being named winner of the World Trading Tournament (WTT) 2025, the Trading Championship 2026 hosted by Mazifinance, and the Scalper Pro Championship (SPC) 2021 — titles he presents as part of a broader trading track record alongside his content-creation work.

Where His Audience Follows Him

Kandwal’s online following spans several platforms. His Instagram account has drawn hundreds of thousands of followers, his YouTube channel has built a subscriber base in the tens of thousands across dozens of uploaded videos, and his Telegram community has grown into a large, active group of subscribers who receive regular updates. Each platform serves a slightly different purpose: Instagram and YouTube function as brand-building and educational spaces, while Telegram operates as a more immediate channel for market commentary and trade-related discussion.

As with any market commentary shared by an individual creator, content posted on Kandwal’s channels reflects his personal views and strategies rather than licensed financial advice, and forex and crypto trading carry substantial risk regardless of the educational framework being applied.

Following Dropout Kid Trading

Those interested in learning more about Vibhu Kandwal’s free trading education, his DKT concept, or his day-to-day market commentary can find him through the following official channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dropoutkid_trading?stkn=MW94OGFlYjE5cnprZw==

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dropoutkidtrading-b7b?si=o0Gk_Tz56FimU5Vz

Telegram: https://t.me/DropoutKidTrading

About Vibhu Kandwal / Dropout Kid Trading

Vibhu Kandwal, 25, is a Delhi/Uttarakhand-based trader and the founder of Dropout Kid Trading (DKT), an educational platform focused on forex and cryptocurrency markets. With more than seven years of trading experience and six years spent creating free educational content, Kandwal has built a following across Instagram, YouTube and Telegram, teaching his self-developed DKT trading concept to more than 2,000 students to date.