HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Nov 13: The 9th Prof Sarat Mahanta Memorial Lecture, organised jointly by the family of the professor and the Sivasagar Press Club in MC Bezbaruah Hall, Sibsagar University, was delivered on Wednesday by Dr Jiten Hazarika, vice-chancellor of Dibrugarh University and Sivasagar University. Dr Hazarika highlighted that Prof Sarat Mahanta was a journalist associated with ‘The Assam Tribune’, a prestigious English daily in Northeast India. Speaking on science and religion, Dr Hazarika remarked that religious practices like Suryanamaskar have a scientific basis. He emphasised that doubt fuels scientific inquiry, with the null hypothesis, inherent in every inquisitive mind, serving as the soul of scientific discovery. Methodical analysis and synthesis of ideas are essential for reaching conclusions. Today, only 0.001 percent of the state’s population identify as atheists, while nearly all people are believers in God. Faith in God, he noted, instills confidence in believers.
Dr Hazarika also referenced a 1971 study by two scientists, H Bension and RK Wakish of Boston University, who researched the daily worship practices of Hindus in West Bengal and concluded that such practices increase positive chemicals in the body and mind of worshippers. He suggested that for the advancement of science and technology, beliefs and a religious inclination are beneficial. While technology is indispensable for human survival, one must also have faith in a power beyond the reach of ordinary human beings, he added.
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Earlier, Mina Mahanta, wife of Sarat Mahanta, lit the ceremonial lamp, while the satradhikar of Ujjanial Satra, Lakhikanta Mahanta, inaugurated the event with a brief speech. Dr Sabyasachi Mahanta, principal of Gargaon College, delivered the welcome speech. Dr Prafulla Chandra Kalita, registrar of Sibsagar College, praised the state government’s Matri Pitri Vandana program and encouraged students to think of their parents’ faces before leaving home each day.
The son of Prof Sarat Mahanta, Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta, IGP of Assam Police; his wife Indrani Baruah, DIG of Assam Police; Subhrajyoti Bora, SP of Sivasagar; Samiran Bora, DDC of Sivasagar; and several other dignitaries attended the function.
Dr Upasana Mahanta, dean of OP Jindal University, donated funds for an annual award in memory of her father, Sarat Mahanta. The award was presented to Anuradha Dutta, the highest marks holder from Rangpur Girls’ High School, during the event.
