JORHAT, Dec 13 - A book on language riots of 1960 in Assam, based on extensive research work by Dr Devabrata Sharma, a research scholar who was the Chief Editor the largest comprehensive dictionary in Assamese, Asomiya Jatiya Abhidhan, was released by former Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University Professor Madan Sharma in a function held at the Jatiya Bhawan here at Malow-Ali on Saturday.
The 700-page book titled Asomiya Jati Gathan Prokiya (Second part), Asomot Bhasa Andolonar Tragic Triology and 1960 Sanar Bhasa Andolan has been published after three years of research work carried out by Dr Devabrata Sharma, who is also the Principal of Jorhat College (Amalgamated). He was assisted by Dayasagar Kalita in the project. Dr Sharma said that 150 people were killed and 10,000 houses burnt during the violence that erupted over establishment of Assamese as official language in the State. He said that the research work was done to find out the causes and forces behind the violence.
Family members of the people killed on opposite sides during the said riots attended the book release function.
Family members of Ranjit Borpujari, Girish Deuri, Shisir Nag, Mofizuddin Ahmed, Kalachand Paul and Jotish Ghose were felicitated on the occasion.
Dr Sushanta Kar, a well-known researcher on language and Upendrajit Mahanta was among those who addressed the gathering and called for reconciliation.
In the same function, the Assamese translated version of Political Economy of Breast Cancer by Santana Sharma, Principal of Jorhat Jatiya Vidyalaya, and four dramas pertaining to feminism, children and Adivasi women, penned by her, were also released.