A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: The Dhakuakhana district unit of Chutia Jati Sanmilan observed the Sati Sadhani Smriti Divas with a two-day long programme on Sunday and Monday. The organization held the event at Beerpal Khetra at Sapotiya under the subdivision, in collaboration with Ma-dhowa regional unit. The programme on Sunday began with the inauguration of the main gate of the event venue, which was followed by a plantation drive and unfurling of the organizational flag. Priests of the Chutia community, Bidyut Chutia and Dimbeswar Borah performed the traditional Deu-Kuber Puja. Several literary competitions were held among the students.
A symposium on ‘The contribution of Chutia community in the formation of the greater Assamese society’, was organized on the occasion. It was inaugurated by academician Padmeswar Saikia, while professor of Sonari Chapori College, Naba Kanta Chutia participated as the resource person.
“The biya naam and aai naam, which are part and parcel of the Assamese culture now, were the assets of Chutia community once upon a time. The community is still lagging far behind due to geographical separation from the mainland of the State, despite being a royal dynasty,” he said during the discussion on the stipulated topic. He lamented that the community had lost its originality. In addition to him, academician Padmewar Borah, retired teacher Uttam Kumar Baruah and Dhakuakhana unit secretary of the organization, Atul Chutia also participated in the programme as resource persons. As per the second-day agenda of the event on Monday, a cultural procession was taken out. Leader of the Chutia Jati Mahila Sanmilan, Rukmini Saikia inaugurated the open session which was chaired by Dhakuakhana Chutia Jati Sanmilan president Gangeswar Baruah. State secretary Haren Chutia graced the occasion as an appointed speaker.
“The Chutia community has been deprived of attaining its judicious rights as the people of the community are not well-integrated due to various factors and they cannot influence the government politically. The governments in the Centre and the State pay importance only to the communities who can play the role of kingmaker and who pressurize them. The governments have betrayed the weaker tribes and communities,” stated Haren Chutia while delivering his lecture.
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