GAURIPUR, Jan 12 - Attending the open session of the centenary celebration of the Gauripur branch Sahitya Sabha as the chief guest today, Padum Rajkhowa, chief secretary of the Asam Sahitya Sabha appealed to the people of Assam to oppose the CAA as it will destroy the unity, language and culture of the people, irrespective of caste and creed. He also lambasted the BJP governments at the Centre and the State for their attempt to turn the nation into a Hindu country which is against the Constitution of the country. He also requested the branch to increase the number of life members of the Sabha.
The open session was presided over by Kshitish Chandra Roy, president of the branch and the objectives were explained by a member of the branch. Dhirendra Nath Adhikary read out his welcome address. The souvenir Madhupur-Gauripur was released by Dr Harendra Chandra Das, retired Director of Secondary Education, Assam. A few invited guests also attended the open session. At the end of the celebration, 101 earthen lamps were lit by Anjali Brahma and other members of the sabha.
Statue of Amrit Bhusan Deb Adhikary unveiled: Earlier on Saturday, a half-size statue of Amrit Bhusan Deb Adhikary, the fifth president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha and founder president of the Gauripur branch Sahitya Sabha was unveiled by Nizanur Rahman, MLA, Gauripur amidst a large number of members of the sabha, well-wishers and invited dignitaries.
After unveiling the statue, the MLA in his short speech appealed to the people to work sincerely for the development of Assamese language, culture and heritage unitedly. Before unveiling the statue, Kshitish Chandra Roy, president of the branch hoisted the flag which was followed by the hoisting of 100 flags by the �Hitaishi� members, life-members and dignitaries present. Smriti tarpan and banti prajjalan were performed by Dhirendra Nath Adhikary and Manas Chakraborty, secretary of the sabha unit. Thereafter a programme �Kuhi� in memory of Silabhadra was held which was conducted by Pranab Kumar Barman. �Ramdhenu� programme was held in memory of Raja Prabhat Chandra Barua and was conducted by Mihir Kanti Das and Pranab Kumar Barman. A symposium on the topic �Role of Goalpara district in organising Asam Sahitya Sabha� which was chaired by Dr Dwipendra Kumar Adhikary and opened by Dr Dwijendra Nath Bhakat. An attractive cultural evening in memory of Padma Shri Pratima Barua Pandey was held and was opened by Prabir Coomer Barua, member of the Gauripur Royal family.
