By: Aman Jalan
Rajat Chandra Sarmah’s name stands as a testament to excellence and versatility, spanning a remarkable 36-year career as a distinguished engineer and a flourishing post-retirement journey as an acclaimed author. He was honoured to be selected for the prestigious LEAD (Leadership for Environment and Development) fellowship, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, in recognition of his dedication to sustainable development. Additionally, he attained the distinction of becoming a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India) and earned a C-level project management certification from the International Project Management Association (IPMA). From his early days restoring hydroelectric projects to winning international awards for his writing, Rajat’s story is one of relentless passion, perseverance, and reinvention.
Engineering Legacy
Rajat’s engineering journey began in 1985 when he graduated from Assam Engineering College with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was soon recruited by a central sector power enterprise, stepping into the role of Sub Divisional Officer. One of his earliest milestones was his active involvement in the restoration of two 50 MW units of the flood-damaged Kopili Hydro Electric Project, where he honed his technical skills alongside experienced mentors.
Over the years, Rajat led several monumental projects, including the commissioning of the 3×25 MW Doyang Hydro Electric Plant and managing electro-mechanical works at the 4×150 MW Kameng Hydro Electric Project. His problem-solving prowess shone during his tenure at the Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project, where he tackled significant commissioning challenges. As General Manager of the 275 MW Kopili Hydro Electric Project, Rajat went beyond his technical duties, creating India’s first botanical garden within a power project—a move that combined ecological preservation with industrial operations.
Rajat’s innovative approach extended to renewable energy projects, including the extension of the Agartala Gas Turbine Project into a combined cycle plant and the development of Northeast India’s first megawatt-scale solar plant in Monarchak, Tripura.
The Leap to Literature
After retiring from a career marked by innovation and leadership, Rajat embarked on a new chapter as an author—a decision inspired by an internal drive to excel in literature, a subject he had struggled with in his school years. His debut book, A Sanguine Tale: Unfolding the Life of a Project Engineer, chronicled his experiences in Northeast India’s remote, serene landscapes. The biography received accolades, including the Golden Book Award 2024 and Emerging Writer of the Year at CLC 2024, and was translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese.
With the success of his first book, Rajat continued his literary journey, publishing A New Dawn: Adventure of the Golden Years (an Amazon #1 bestseller), a short story collection (Whisper of the Diverse Tale), a poetry book (A Symphony of Life), and a thriller (Behind the Headlines). His literary achievements earned him prestigious awards such as the International Tagore Award on Literature 2024, 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, and Beacon of Hope Award.
Transitioning from Engineering to Writing
The shift from technical problem-solving to creative storytelling wasn’t without challenges. “Project management and literature are opposite sides of a coin,” Rajat explains. “While engineering requires quick decision-making, writing demands emotional depth, careful word selection, and creativity.” Yet, his structured approach and years of experience dealing with human aspects and communication hurdles helped him craft compelling narratives.
Connecting with Readers
Rajat’s writing resonates across diverse genres—biographies, poetry, thrillers, and short stories—through his focus on universal emotions and authentic storytelling. “Whether I’m writing a thriller or poetry, I aim to evoke emotions and create narratives that readers can relate to,” he shares. His ability to blend professional struggles with personal growth has left a lasting impact on readers, as evidenced by feedback from fans who credit his stories with inspiring introspection and balance in their own lives.
Upcoming Projects
Rajat’s literary journey is far from over. He recently completed Beyond the Horizon, a collection of short stories slated for release, and is contributing to various anthologies. With a penchant for exploring new genres and themes, Rajat is eager to continue captivating audiences worldwide.
A Legacy of Excellence
From restoring hydroelectric plants to writing award-winning books, Rajat Chandra Sarmah exemplifies the power of reinvention. His unique blend of technical expertise and creative expression has left an indelible mark on both the engineering and literary worlds, proving that it’s never too late to pursue new passions and achieve greatness.
Follow him on his literary journey, as he continues to inspire through words and stories that transcend boundaries.
Published By: Aize Perez
