Heartiest congratulations to Sumit Saurabh on being officially nominated for the prestigious Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award for his remarkable novel, The Room Remembers: A Novel.
The Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award celebrates authors who bring meaningful, original, and impactful contributions to literature through their storytelling. The award recognises writers whose works demonstrate creativity, emotional depth, unique perspectives, and the ability to connect with readers through powerful narratives. Being nominated for this honour reflects the literary value and distinctive vision behind an author’s work.
Sumit Saurabh’s The Room Remembers stands out as a gripping mystery-horror novel that blends psychological suspense, supernatural elements, emotional trauma, family secrets, and human resilience into a deeply engaging narrative. The story follows Ananya and Arjun, two strangers who find themselves trapped by a violent storm inside the isolated Hillview Hotel. What begins as a fight for survival gradually unfolds into a much larger mystery involving forgotten diaries, hidden corridors, unexplained encounters, and a decades-old conspiracy buried within the walls of the hotel.
At the heart of the novel lies a haunting yet powerful idea — a room can remember everything that people attempt to forget. Through this unique premise, Sumit Saurabh explores how memories, secrets, guilt, and unresolved pain continue to influence lives even after years have passed. The novel goes beyond traditional horror by focusing not only on fear, but also on human emotions, hidden truths, and the consequences of silence.
The award committee has recognised The Room Remembers for its originality, atmospheric storytelling, and its ability to combine mystery with deeper emotional themes. The involvement of characters such as Nisha, Asha, and Sameer adds layers of complexity to the narrative, revealing a story shaped by betrayal, forgotten suffering, and the search for truth. The exploration of illegal experiments conducted beneath the hotel introduces a compelling dimension of suspense, while the emotional journey of the characters creates a strong connection with readers.
One of the novel’s strongest qualities is the way it transforms a supernatural mystery into a reflection on human experiences. The story examines how people carry hidden wounds, how memories shape identity, and how confronting the past can become the first step towards healing. Through Ananya’s journey and her connection to the mystery, the novel presents themes of courage, empathy, and the importance of acknowledging forgotten voices.
Sumit Saurabh brings a unique perspective to literature through his diverse professional and personal journey. Born and raised in Bhagalpur, Bihar, he developed an early curiosity about learning, technology, and the possibilities created through education. His journey from engineering studies after qualifying through the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) to becoming a technology leader reflects dedication, adaptability, and continuous growth.
With years of experience across software development, eCommerce, digital transformation, architecture, and technology leadership, Sumit has worked with complex systems and diverse teams across industries and cultures. Today, as Director of Delivery at NULogic, he continues to work at the intersection of technology, leadership, and innovation.
However, beyond technology, Sumit has always been deeply interested in human emotions, relationships, memories, and the choices that define people’s lives. This curiosity has naturally found expression through storytelling. His writing reflects his fascination with the emotions people often hide, the secrets they protect, and the experiences that shape human behaviour.
This combination of analytical thinking and emotional observation gives The Room Remembers its distinctive character. The novel reflects both the structured imagination of a technology professional and the sensitivity of a storyteller who understands the complexity of human nature.
Through this nomination, Ananta Press celebrates Sumit Saurabh’s contribution to fiction and acknowledges his ability to create a story that entertains, challenges, and emotionally engages readers. The Room Remembers is not only a tale of mystery and horror but also an exploration of memory, truth, trauma, and the lasting impact of choices made in the past.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Sumit Saurabh for this well-deserved nomination for the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award. We wish him continued success in his literary journey and hope that his storytelling continues to inspire readers, encourage imagination, and contribute meaningfully to contemporary literature.
May The Room Remembers continue to reach wider audiences and remain a memorable addition to the world of fiction.