GUWAHATI, May 12 - A bronze bust of renowned orientalist Prof Maheswar Neog (September 7, 1915-September 13, 1995) was unveiled on the Arts Building campus of Gauhati University (GU) here today.
Prof Nagen Saikia unveiled the bust in presence of GU Vice Chancellor Dr Mridul Hazarika and several other luminaries.
Artist Biren Singha moulded the bust at the instruction of the Prof Maheswar Neog Trust. The State Bank of India (SBI) financially supported the Trust in this respect.
Later addressing a function held at the Birinchi Kumar Baruah Auditorium of the University, Prof Saikia described Prof Neog as a towering scholar, who was creative and had made extraordinary contributions towards Assamese language, literature and culture.
Addressing the function, Prof Ranjit Kumar Dev Goswami reminisced his association with Prof Neog and described the latter as a mobile encyclopedia on the Assamese literature and culture. Prof Neog had dedicated his whole life for the study of Assamese language, literature and culture. He was honoured by Punjabi University, Patiala by appointing him as the Saint Sankaradeva Professor of Religious Studies. Prof Neog was entrusted by Dr Banikanta Kakati with the job to edit the Kathaguru Charita, which was accomplished by Prof Neog in a highly appreciable manner, said Prof Dev Goswami.
He also mentioned that the leading scholars from across the globe praised Prof Neog for his stupendous knowledge of Assamese language, literature and culture.
Addressing the function, GU Vice Chancellor Dr Hazarika said scholars like Prof Neog laid the foundation for the academic excellence of Gauhati University.
The function was also addressed by Prof Neog�s son Pranab Swarup Neog, SBI Chief General Manager PVSLN Murty, artist Biren Singh, GU Rector Hari Prasad Sarma and GU Registrar Dr SK Nath, among others.