GUWAHATI, April 18 � Guwahati Senior Citizens� Association has appealed to the intellectuals and writers of Assam in particular and the whole Assamese community in general not to feel frustrated and crestfallen over the prevailing problems of foreigners� infiltration and the identity crisis of the Assamese community, but to assert themselves as one of the most culturally endowed communities in the whole world.
The Association discussed the subject �Historical exploits of the Assamese people and its future� at its meeting held today under the presidentship of senior journalist DN Chakravartty. Initiating the subject, Chakravartty dwelt at length on the rich historical background of the Assamese dating back to 3,000 BC. He said that throughout the pages of Indian history, Assamese people from the days of Bhagadatta, Kumar Bhaskar Varma down to the days of Momai Tamuly Barbarua, Chakradhwaj Singha and Rudra Singha exhibited gigantic advancement in all spheres of human excellence, be it cultural variety, statecraft or prowess on the battlefield.
Speaking on the genesis of the Assamese language, Chakravartty said that while the Koibarta people laid the foundation of the Assamese language, streams of communities including Moran, Muttock, Koch, Kalita, Keot, Kachari, Rabha, Mising and Tiwa, all contributed towards the growth and enrichment of the Assamese language. While the Ahoms introduced new varieties of paddy and gave Assam a stable administration for six centuries, the Muslims from the days of Jayadhwaj Singha contributed immensely towards the enrichment of the Assamese language and culture.
Chakravartty said that there is no danger of Assamese people being subdued by people from outside so long as they do not lose their self-confidence, and remains ever proud of their rich heritage.
