Rahul Bhattacharya’s Rail Song: Hindu Lit Fest Performance

‘Rail Song’ Author Explores India’s Identity Through Railway Narratives

A compelling new novel, Rail Song, and its author, Rahul Bhattacharya, were the focus of a lively discussion in Chennai on Sunday, delving into themes of nationalism, plurality, and gender within the context of post-Independence India. The event, part of the Hindu Lit For Life Unplugged series, showcased Bhattacharya’s exploration of a nation’s evolving identity through the microcosm of the Indian Railways.

A Decade in the Making

Bhattacharya, an Ondaatje Prize winner, shared insights into the decade-long journey of bringing Rail Song to life.He explained that the three years dedicated to writing were preceded by extensive fieldwork, including visits to railway colonies and in-depth conversations with railway workers. “The book lived with me for years,” he stated, emphasizing the immersive research that informed the narrative.

Did you know? – Rahul Bhattacharya’s previous work, The Sly City, also explored urban life in India, earning him critical acclaim and the 2014 Ondaatje Prize for a first novel.

The railways as a Metaphor for India

The novel centers on Charu Chitol, a young woman navigating her career within the Indian Railways during the 1960s and the period of the Emergency. Bhattacharya described the Railways as “a world dense with names, people and stories,” a dynamic landscape where individual lives intersect and intertwine. This inherent multiplicity, he argued, serves as a powerful metaphor for the pluralist idea of India.

“The railways connect people across caste, creed and religion,” Bhattacharya explained. “There’s a sense of becoming a part of one another’s worlds-an unspoken cohesion that feels deeply Indian.” This observation highlights the Railways’ unique role in fostering a sense of shared national identity despite societal divisions.

Pro tip: – When reading Rail Song, consider how the physical spaces of the railway-stations, trains, colonies-reflect the broader social and political landscape of India during the depicted eras.

‘Lit For Life Unplugged’ Continues

The event was moderated by Mukund padmanabhan, former Editor of The Hindu. The Hindu Lit For Life Unplugged is organized in association with Christ University, with support from associate partners Akshayakalpa.Organizers encourage audiences to anticipate further events leading up to the Hindu Lit For Life festival,scheduled for January 17 and 18.

Follow @hindulitforlife on Instagram for more updates.

The discussion, held in a book-lined corner of Crossword, Express Avenue, offered a glimpse into a novel poised to spark conversation about India’s complex past and present.

Published December 7,2025,at 11:56 pm IST.

Reader question: – How do you think the Indian Railways, as a symbol, has changed since the 1960s and the Emergency period depicted in Rail Song?

News Report Enhancement:

Why: Author Rahul Bhattacharya discussed his new novel, Rail Song, at a Hindu Lit For Life Unplugged event in Chennai on Sunday. The event aimed to preview the novel’s themes and Bhattacharya’s research process.

Who: The event featured author Rahul Bhattacharya, moderated by Mukund Padmanabhan, former Editor of The Hindu. The series is organized by The Hindu in association with Christ University and supported by Akshayakalpa.

What: Rail Song explores India’s identity through the lens of the Indian Railways, focusing on the experiences of a young woman, Charu Chitol, during the 1960s and the Emergency. the novel examines themes of nationalism, plurality, and