Assam Association of North America holds convention due to COVID-19

GUWAHATI: The 42nd 'Assam Convention' organized by AANA (Assam Association of North America) was held between July 2 to July 4. Due to the pandemic, the event was held virtually.

A major focus of the three-day event was to give an opportunity to the young adults and small children in the Assamese diaspora of North America to showcase their talents and encourage them to stay in touch with their Assamese language and culture. A significant portion of the registration fees collected from attendees will be used to support underprivileged families in rural Assam whose livelihood has been impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

The highlight of Day-1 was a mesmerizing musical performance by a set of second-generation Assamese young adults from the United States of America and Canada. Their professionally conducted programme held the audience captivated.

The second day started with a ceremony to felicitate Dr Kuladhar Saikia, the President of AXX (Axam Xahitya Xabha), for his guidance and participation in several earlier events of AANA over the past two years. He was inducted as an 'Honorary Life Member' of AANA. In his acceptance speech, he praised the efforts of AANA in encouraging the youth and children of the Assamese diaspora to learn about their language and culture. This was followed by a soulful musical programme by two young singers from Assam – Deeplina Deka and Neel Akash. The audience thoroughly enjoyed their performances and they were also very happy to be a part of the event; especially because, a significant portion of the proceeds would go towards the relief of low-income people affected by the pandemic in Assam.

Meanwhile, in the GBM (General Body Meeting), the AANA executive team proudly presented the projects they have initiated. Some of the significant initiatives are a summer internship programme for teenagers to create video animations of Assamese folk tales, translation of important Assamese literature to English, a storytelling programme, and efforts to encourage enrollment in the various Assamese language-learning schools in North America.

On July 4, the annual meeting of the Axam Xahitya Xabha of North America was held. The audience was spellbound by the speeches of the vice president of AXX, Mrinalini Devi, and the keynote speaker Mayur Bora. The convention concluded with a 'Okonir Mou-mel'. This is the first time such an event has been incorporated in the annual Assam Convention. The youngest among the Assamese diaspora won over the hearts of the audience by their spirited performances.

At the end of the programme, AANA president Suranjoy Hazarika and its and general secretary Jonali Baruah Panging offered the vote of thanks to all the volunteers and participants, stated a press release.

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