HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Dec 4: The two-day centenary celebration of Chandrakanta Handique Bhawan concluded on Wednesday, paying tribute to the Asam Sahitya Sabha’s unparalleled role in promoting Assamese language, literature and culture. Dr K Srinivas Rao, former Secretary of Sahitya Akademi, lauded the Sabha’s initiatives as “rare and exemplary” during the open session presided over by Sabha president Dr Basanta Kumar Goswami.
Former Sabha president Dr Kuladhar Saikia emphasised, “Language must be preserved for the nation to flourish,” while Dr Dhrubajyoti Bora noted that the Sabha has evolved into an inclusive literary platform reflecting Assam’s collective aspirations. The programme was attended by distinguished litterateurs, cultural leaders and thousands of delegates from across the state.
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MLA Hitendranath Goswami, president of the centenary celebration committee, delivered the welcome address and Sabha principal secretary Debajit Bora outlined the objectives of the event. Dr Surjya Kanta Hazarika highlighted the historical significance of Chandrakanta Handique Bhawan and Dr Jyoti Prasad Saikia, Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath Barooah University, inaugurated the open session with an insightful lecture. Commemorative publications, including a centenary volume and a Spell Checker for the Chandrakanta Dictionary were unveiled by Sabha office-bearers.
The celebrations featured a vibrant cultural evening showcasing Assam’s diverse art forms, including Dhamail, Charak dance, Bishnupriya Manipuri dance, Ghoomar, Deodhani, Jhumur, Vyas Ojapali and other traditional performances, reflecting the state’s rich cultural mosaic.
Earlier sessions included seminars on the Sabha’s literary contributions and ceremonial flag hoisting attended by notable citizens from Jorhat, Majuli, Sibsagar, Charaideo and Golaghat. The festivities concluded with meetings of permanent members and a grand cultural rally emphasising the importance of Assam’s literary heritage.
The centenary celebration reaffirmed the Sabha’s enduring commitment to nurturing Assamese language, literature and cultural identity for future generations.
