Kolkata, 20 September, 2025 :
Renowned lawyer, author, and cultural advocate Sumant Batra today launched his latest book, Kafila: A Jhangi Family’s Partition Memoir, in Kolkata. The work presents a poignant, deeply human account of the Partition of India in 1947, one of the most defining and traumatic events in modern history.
In Kafila, Batra retraces the journey of his ancestors — the Dass family of Rodu Sultan, Jhang — as they were uprooted from their homeland during Partition. Interweaving personal family narratives with the broader political backdrop, the memoir vividly captures the anguish of displacement while celebrating the resilience and indomitable spirit of survivors.
“Though this is my family’s story, it is also the story of millions who endured Partition,” said Sumant Batra. “I wanted to honour their memories and resilience while urging today’s generation to provide the closure that history has long denied.”
Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri, Editor, added: “In Kafila, Sumant bridges meticulous historical research with the emotional truth of lived experience, creating a narrative that lingers long after the last page.”
The launch coincided with the 88th birth anniversary of Batra’s late father, lending a personal and emotional resonance to the occasion. “Kafila is not just a memoir; it is a living document of courage, survival, and hope. It preserves a slice of history that is at risk of fading away,” Batra reflected.
About the Author
Sumant Batra is a distinguished Indian lawyer with nearly three decades of global experience in insolvency and bankruptcy law. Ranked among the world’s top 30 international insolvency experts by Global Restructuring Review, he is the recipient of several prestigious accolades, including the award for ‘Outstanding Career in Insolvency’. He is also the only Asian and the youngest president in the history of London-based INSOL International. Beyond law, Batra is a passionate promoter of Indian culture and literature. He is the founder of the Kumaon Literary Festival and author of The Indians, Anarkali, and co-author of An Actor’s Actor: The Authorized Biography of Sanjeev Kumar.
