The Middle Benchers
College Life Was Beautifully, Hilariously Simple
The Middle Benchers is a heartwarming, humorous, and nostalgic journey into college life in early-2000s Patna—an era before smartphones, where friendships were real, hostel life was chaotic, and memories were made on the middle benches.
Author T. Narayan
Writing under the pseudonym T. Narayan, the author was born on 24 March 1986 in Katihar, Bihar. His early education was shaped at Ramakrishna Mission, followed by intermediate studies at Darshan Mahavidyalaya. He completed his graduation from A.N. College, Patna (2005) and later earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Surya Dev Law College (2012). Since then, he has been actively associated with the field of law and legal practice. Beyond academics and law, T. Narayan is a trained artist, having received formal education in painting from Nikhil Bharat Sangeet Samiti, Kolkata. A passionate writer for over fifteen years, his writing reflects imagination, emotional depth, and a close connection with nature and human experiences. Fluent in Hindi, Bengali, and English, he enjoys gardening, especially nurturing water lilies, and is an avid traveler who draws inspiration from the tranquil landscapes of the Himalayan valleys.
Book The Middle Benchers
Welcome to Patna in the early 2000s— A time with no smartphones, When jokes were louder than lectures, And hostel life felt like a never-ending comedy show. The Middle Benchers follows a group of carefree college boys navigating their graduation years—caught between dreams, deadlines, friendships, and fun.
Story Highlights
Chaotic classrooms and unforgettable lectures
Midnight Maggi sessions in hostels
Sudden surprise inspections
Movie outings at the iconic Mona Theatre
Legendary hostel pranks that became campus folklore
Endless laughter, bonds, and shared dreams
Through everyday moments and hilarious incidents, the story reveals that college life isn’t about marks—it’s about memories.
Themes Explored
Friendship and brotherhood
Youthful freedom and innocence
Hostel life and campus culture
Nostalgia of pre-digital India
Growing up without realizing it
The novel captures the soul of student life, where even ordinary days felt extraordinary.
Why Read The Middle Benchers?
✔ Perfect for anyone who misses college days
✔ Deeply nostalgic and laugh-out-loud funny
✔ Relatable characters and real moments
✔ A tribute to hostel life and friendships
✔ Emotionally warm with a timeless charm
If you ever sat on the middle bench, laughed during lectures, or lived for hostel friendships—this book is for you.
