BARPETA, Nov 17 - The 125th birth anniversary celebration committee of Dr Banikanta Kakati, the doyen of modern Assamese language, celebrated the 125th birth anniversary with a day-long programme at Batikuriha, the native village of the great scholar at Barpeta district on Wednesday.
An open meeting held in the evening was chaired by veteran writer, academician and former president of Barpeta District Sahitya Sabha Akshyay Kumar Mishra. Mishra, during his speech, appealed for a permanent memorial in the name of the scholar so that the new generation can be acquainted and inspired by the life and works of Kakati.
Addressing the open meeting, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that Dr Kakati was instrumental in establishing a separate and distinct identity for the Assamese language and he worked relentlessly towards this end.
�Dr Kakati proved his genius with reason and laid the foundation of modern Assamese language,� Sonowal said and added that it�s only because of the efforts of the great scholar that we have been able to claim our language with pride. He faced a number of challenges and problems but overcame all obstacles to win the battle. No one with confidence can be defeated in a battle and Bani Kanta Kakati is a unique example,� Sonowal said and urged upon the youths to follow his ideals.
Referring to the fight against corruption, Sonowal said that his government has adhered to the principle of zero tolerance against the social evil and reiterated that it will continue during his tenure. Sonowal acknowledged that corruption and misuse of public money have deprived the people of their dues and if removed totally, people will be benefited . He exhorted the people to point out mistakes of the government and suggest positive measures to improve the governance. Sonowal urged the teaching community of the State to be more active in social reforms to improve the educational environment. He urged them to play the role of parents so that every child gets proper attention. �Teachers are not only paid service providers but ambassadors of education,� Sonowal said and added that they can change the society like Dr Kakati did decades ago.
The Chief Minister expressed his anguish over the reported move of a section of people to thwart the ongoing process to update the National Register of Citizens and warned that any attempt to disrupt it will be regarded as an anti-national act. �Those who try to hinder the updation of NRC will be treated as traitors,� Sonowal said. He allayed the apprehensions of omission of names original citizens and announced that they will be provided ample opportunities to appeal and the government will extend all help and cooperation in the appeal process.
A number of great personalities including two grandsons of Dr Kakati Dhiraj Kakati and Rajib Kakati attended the meeting.