GUWAHATI, Sept 12 - Education Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya has urged historians and scholars of antiquarian studies of the State to submit a detailed and vibrant proposal for upgrading the Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies (DHAS).
The Minister sought the proposal while unveiling a bronze bust of Dr Surya Kumar Bhuyan today on the premises of DHAS, which is a part of the education department.
�Earlier the State government had decided to make it an autonomous department. But there is some problem regarding the salaries of its employee. So finally we cancelled the decision. Rather, the government has decided to give special emphasis to the development of the department. For this purpose, we need a perfect proposal. If you provide it, then money will not be an issue to implement it,� Bhattacharya assured.
Emphasising a systematic study of historical elements of the State, Bhattacharya in his speech also said, �A nation will die if its people forget its history. History is the integral part for the development of a society. We feel proud because of our historical elements. But in many areas of Assam many households still have lots of historical property along with manuscripts in their possession. Those need to be collected and preserved properly.�
Remembering the contributions of Dr Surya Kumar Bhuyan in the history and antiquarian studies sector of Assam, he said, �In my early days, my father had given me a book written by Dr Surya Kumar Bhuyan on history. I took a long time to complete the book, but gradually I realised the importance of history. From my experience, I think, we should upgrade the department with a long-term vision, so that after 50 years our future generation can enjoy its benefits.�
Banti Bhuyan, chairman of the Dr SK Bhuyan Memorial Trust, in her speech said, �The DHAS was a place where large numbers of prominent and world famous personalities used to come when my grandfather Dr Surya Kumar Bhuyan was alive. It was like a tourist attraction at that time. I am happy to see a bronze bust of my grandfather on its premises and hope for its further development.�
Speaking on the occasion, several dignitaries emphasised setting up of an e-library on the DHAS premises located at Panbazar. Dr Robin Dev Goswami, who presided over the programme, spoke about further training of employees of the department on proper preservation of various historical and antiquarian elements under the department.
