GOPIKA BALLAV GOSWAMI SAMANNAY KSHETRA (Dergaon), Feb 7 - The Padadhikar of Srimanta Sankardeva Sangha, Bhabendranath Deka, today said that books are still indispensable despite the rapid expansion of Information Technology. Books are the only vehicle through which knowledge is passed from one generation to the next, he said, adding that there is no substitute to the printed word.
Deka was speaking at the book release ceremony held at Pandit Raisahab Gopikaballav Goswami Samannay Kshetra. In the function held on the occasion of the 87th annual session of Srimanta Sankardeva Sangha, as many as 46 books were released. A total of 13 books were published by the reception committee at Missamara Dadhara Ahom Pathar, Dergaon. The souvenir, Bhakti Rasamrit, with Mrinal Kumar Baruah as the chief editor and Bodheswar Kakoti as the editor, was released by educationist Dr Kandarpa Kumar Deka. Another book on the life and achievements of Pandit Gopikaballav Goswami, edited by Bodheswar Kakoti, was released by Dr Ajit Baruah. The mouthpiece of the Sangha, Bhakti Saurav, edited by Surendramohan Hazarika, was released by Dr Sanjiv Kumar Barkakati. Another book titled Srimanta Sankardeva Aru Yuba Prajanma, edited by journalist Sanjoy Kumar Hazarika, was released by Dr Porag Thakur.
Meanwhile, with the participation of more than 50,000 delegates and devotees, the four-day event started with a cleanliness drive this morning. Other programmes included the establishment of the asan at the Naatghar, inauguration of the main entrance and the entrance to the namghar, and inauguration of the offices of the central committee, reception committee and district committee.
The book fair and exhibition was inaugurated by the principal of DKD College, Dr Ranjit Kumar Bordoloi. This was followed by the inauguration of a special delegates� camp by Rebakanta Saikia. The Gobin Chandra Saikia Memorial Stage was inaugurated by Golaghat DC Gaurav Bothra, while the Pandit Sonaram Chutia Memorial Pandal was inaugurated by Golaghat SP Manabendra Debroy.
The whole programme was moderated by the general secretary of the reception committee, Devanjan Bora. The committee is headed by Pabitrapran Bora, Mrinal Saikia and Devanjan Bora as the president, working president and secretary respectively. There are 35 sub-committees working round the clock.
Talking to this correspondent, the general secretary of the reception committee said that all preparations have been made for the success of the session. The Ankia Naat presentation was inaugurated by Alim Mahanta, while the Dr Upen Kakoti Memorial Cultural Function was inaugurated by film director Dinesh Gogoi. The central executive meeting and the publicity council meeting were also held.