NAGAON, April 23 � To mark the end of the celebration of the birth centenary of politician and litterateur Hem Barua, a function was organised by the Nagaon Zila Sahitya Sabha on February 22. Attending the function as the guest of honour, Asam Sahitya Sabha president Dr Dhrubajyoti Bora called upon the people to strengthen the cause of Assamese nationalism. Those who accept the Assamese language as their first, second or third language should be included under the new Assamese nationalism, Dr Bora stressed.
In the interest of creation of a new Assamese nationalism, there should not be any enmity among different ethnic groups residing in Assam, the Sabha chief observed.
�Late Hem Barua worked with this mission during his lifetime and if we carry on the work in this direction, that will be a real tribute to him on his birth centenary,� Dr Bora added.
Earlier, the Sabha president lit a lamp before the portrait of Hem Barua. Floral tributes were also paid on his portrait by a number of eminent persons.
The Zila Sahitya Sabha president, Rati Mohan Nath chaired the function and the secretary, Jatindra Nath Sut explained the significance of the function.
Former president of the Zila Sahitya Sabha Upendra Nath Borkotoki, critic Rabindra Chandra Bora, former minister Girindra Kumar Barua and poet Paran Kumar Barua also shed light on the personality of Hem Barua.
The assistant secretary of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, Padum Rajkhowa and others were also present in the function.
Dr Bora was also present as the guest of the month at the Nagaon Press Club. Secretary Tapan Kumar Borah conducted the function in which Nowgong College principal Dr Sarat Borkotoki spoke a few words.
Dr Bora interacted with the members of the Nagaon Press Club on various issues faced by the State and the society. He admitted that Assamese people were facing an identity crisis. �We must search a new way of friendship among different people living in the State,� he said.
The Sabha president also highlighted the different agenda of the apex literary body of the State. The president of the press club, Palash Ranjan Das, and other members and guests were present in the programme.
An amount of Rs 75,000 was presented to Momi Bora, widow of Ratul Bora, a former member of the club. The amount has been fixed in the name of Nibir Bora, son of late Ratul Bora for his future education.
