HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Nov 13: The Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, in collaboration with the Department of History, Lokanayak Omeo Kumar Das College, Dhekiajuli organised a Narayani Handique Memorial lecture entitled ‘The Story of Kanaklata Barua’.
Eminent historian Professor Shiela Bora, participating as the keynote speaker shared her experiences while writing a book on Kanaklata Barua as part of a National Book Trust project. She lamented that heritage preservation remains largely neglected. In a compelling presentation, she highlighted the landmarks and influencers in Kanaklata’s life, constructing a vivid narrative based on primary sources. She urged the audience to compile local history using evidence to ensure it receives its rightful recognition.
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The lecture was followed by a lively interaction in which Dr Jogendra Saikia, Dr Arindam Kr Deka and Riyazuddin Ansari discussed different aspects of the 1942 movement. A Satriya dance performance by Khagen Mandal, a first-semester student of the department, added rhythmic moments to the programme. Principal Dr Sukdev Adhikari highlighted the importance of such programmes, expressing hope for similar initiatives in the future and informing about upcoming entrepreneurship development initiatives at the college.
The programme began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Dr Jogendra Saikia, president of the Governing Body of the college, joined by invited speaker Professor Shiela Bora, Director-in-charge of DHAS Dr Sangeeta Gogoi, Riyazuddin Ansari (retired Vice Principal) and Dhrubajyoti Hazarika (retired HoD, History). This was followed by the traditional felicitation of the guest, supervised by Deepsikha Deka, Assistant Professor, Department of History. Indrajit Pathak a fifth-semester student, enthralled the audience with a Jyoti Sangit.
Dr Jogendra Saikia inaugurated the event, highlighting the importance of understanding the truth behind Kanaklata’s martyrdom. Dr Sangeeta Gogoi spoke briefly on the objectives of the lecture programme and detailed the Directorate’s plans for manuscript preservation and ongoing projects. HoD History, Dr Jyotshna Baruah introduced Professor Shiela Bora to the gathering. The programme was attended by distinguished citizens of Dhekiajuli, including Ramesh Borah, Narayan Borah, Dilip Senapati (retired professor of Political Science) and Reezoo Dutta Gogoi, along with a large number of teaching faculty, students, NCC cadets and media personnel. The event concluded with Axom Sangeet. Dr Jyotshna Baruah offered a vote of thanks, while Assistant Professors Nabajit Saikia, Tapas Pujari and Purabi Kalita supervised the logistics and overall management of the programme.
