GUWAHATI, June 1 - Celebrating the life and works of eminent Assamese children�s writer Gagan Chandra Adhikari, children�s magazine Hiyar Ramdhenu and social organisation Gati Assam today organised a programme at the Guwahati Press Club here to honour Adhikari on his 77th birth anniversary.
Known for his lucid writing and ample use of colloquial terms in an appealing manner, Adhikari has been a prominent name in the field of children�s literature, contributing to both prose and poetry segments.
With wild and domestic animals, flies, fingerlings, daily utility items, mythological characters, etc., as central themes of many of his works, Adhikari has composed hundreds of poems which were received well by his young readers.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Namita Deka, noted writer and retired professor of Dispur College, spoke about Adhikari�s flair for writing since his childhood days.
�Extremely sensitive in choosing words which are suitable for children, Adhikari has championed the art of understanding the mentality of children, which is reflected through his writings. With a fine sense of humour, his works also carry a message with simplicity and precision,� she said.
�His poem, Tokat ekota haati reflects the unadulterated joys of children, while Maar guli poka suli emphasizes the child�s craving for getting attention and praise from the adults of the family,� she added.
Adhikari was felicitated with a citation, cheleng chador, bouquet and a collection of books. A number of his friends, associates and well-wishers also feted him on the occasion and wished for his long and healthy life.
Bandita Phukan, another prominent Assamese author of children�s books, shared her personal experience of working with Adhikari on several projects.
�Creating literature for children is no easy task. We need to work on a flashback mode to understand their feelings and convey their aspirations. On many occasions, we discuss how children�s writers are relegated to a secondary place,� she added.
Some of Adhikari�s prominent works include Torch Mora Moh, Rodali Ae Rod Aekon De and Khabarar Pera among others.
Author Prabhat Goswami also spoke on the position of children�s writers in the literary hierarchy of the State. �Though a number of coveted awards have been instituted for children�s writers, the society is yet to give them their due recognition,� he rued.
Adhikari stressed the need to encourage inquisitiveness among children and involve them in creative works. He also highlighted the need to make children�s literature lucid and entertaining for carrying apt messages.
Speaking as the chief guest of the programme, Thaneswar Malakar, president of Gati Assam, said that just as a child needs healthy food to grow properly, quality literary works are also needed to inculcate a healthy reading habit among children. �Soon we are going to compile all the works of Gagan Chandra Adhikari and publish them,� he said.
Anubhab Parashar of Gati Assam conducted the meeting. A number of children recited several of Adhikari�s poems on the occasion.
