'Literary talent of Padmanath Gohain Baruah should be evaluated afresh'

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: "Padmanath Gohain Baruah has left an indelible imprint on the Assamese literary world and social life. Born at Nakari in North Lakhimpur on December 15 in 1871, his literary talent sprouted in his childhood. He introduced various new trends in the Assamese literature as a novelist, dramatist, poet and noted journalist. There is a lot of scope for conducting research on his literary contributions. His literary talent should be evaluated afresh," said Pallab Bhattacharya, educationist-cum-professor of Tezpur Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Girls' College, in Lakhimpur on Tuesday. He said so while delivering his lecture while attending the open session of the inaugural programme of the year-long sesquicentennial celebration of the birth anniversary of 'Sahitya Kandari' Padmanath Gohain Baruah, the founder president of Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX).

Notably, the AxamXahityaXabha held the inaugural function of the year-long sesquicentennial birth anniversary celebration of its founder president in Lakhimpur district, the birth place of the luminous star of Assamese literature. The programme was organized under the auspices of Hatilungporia Xakha Xahitya Xabha in association with the Lakhimpur District Xahitya Xabha (LDXX). The open session of the event commenced with the AXX president-in-charge (vice-president) Prahlad Kumar Tasa in the chair. Former working president of Oborakshyan Samiti, North Lakhimpur Regional Office of the AXX and noted social activist, UdaySankarHazarika inaugurated the event. In his lecture, Uday Sankar Hazarika remarked that Padmanath Gohain Baruah was not only a literary figure but he was also a leading force of a trend related to the literary amelioration of the State from the first half of the 20th century.

On the other hand, appointed speaker Pallab Bhattacharya further stated that the aim in life of PadmanathGohainBaruah was to establish the Assamese language and to create an environment for the culture of Assamese literature.

"He was one of those prominent figures who justified the magnificent appeal of integration showcased in Bihu dance, which is formed with the elements from various ethnic cultures of the State. He endeavoured to spread Assamese language among the ethnic tribes of the State and for this purpose he formed KohimaSahityaSabha in Nagaland. Through his novels and dramas which he composed, picking the stories and characters mainly from the legends and history, the literary star first introduced the trend of reconstruction (the trend of looking the legendary, historical characters and stories with modern views) in Assamese literature. His composition Shri Krishna is the magnum opus with the newly-introduced trend. His novels Lahori (the first novel of the Assamese literature), Bhanumoti, drama Ban Raja and other literary compositions also apparently carry the trend. AXX should establish these contribution of this literary figure evaluating his talent with research based works," Pallab Bhattacharya asserted.

Prahlad Kumar Tasa, from the chair of president of the event, said that new research-based work of the literary contribution of PadmanathGohainBaruah, under the auspices of AXX, would be undertaken in the upcoming years. In this connection, he appealed to the researchers of the State to come forward to research on his contributions with modern outlook and extend their contribution to Assamese language and literature.

On the other hand, chief secretary of AXX, while explaining the objective of the event, stated that the AXX would organize various events at different parts of the State throughout the upcoming year to mark the sesquicentennial celebration of the birth anniversary of PadmanathGohainBaruah. Prior to it, the agenda of the whole programme began with the unfurling of AXX flag by LDXX president Bipul Sarmah Baruah who also delivered the welcome address.

Hatilungporiya Xakha Xahitya Xabha president Dandi Tamuli Phukan lit the earthen lamp while LDXX former president Nityananda Senapoti conducted the smrititarpan event. Secretary of Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, Dr. Ramesh Chutiya, Inspector of Schools, Lakhimpur Division, Nirada Doley Pegu, and AXX former vice-president Dr. Hemanta Kumar Baruah delivered lecture as distinguished guests. Notably, the Narayanpur Xakha Xahitya Xabha of the district submitted proposal to AXX to accord permission and responsibility for organizing the central session of AXX at Narayanpur in 2020.

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