GUWAHATI, July 22 � On the occasion of the 89th birth anniversary of Kirtinath Hazarika, who had set a trend in responsible journalism in the state, the Asomsurya Kirtinath Hazarika Smriti Raksha Samity on Tuesday announced that selected editorials of the litterateur would be compiled and published in several volumes.
The announcement was made by the Samity at a function organized here at the Kanaklal Baruah auditorium of Assam State Museum in memory of the stalwart.
Hazarika, a multifaceted personality, had successfully presented the issues of the State and the aspirations of the people of Assam through the Dainik Asam that he edited and loved as his own child, never once compromising on professional ethics. Remembering his contributions towards the society particularly in his role as a journalist, citizens present at the function called for preservation of the creations of Hazarika so that the young generation know the real meaning of patriotism.
Speaking on the occasion, social activist Khanindra Chandra Das dwelt at length on the role of the Dainik Asam during the Assam Agitation and how Kirtinath Hazarika through his powerful editorials had voiced the aspirations of the people during those stormy days. �We need to compile the editorials of Hazarika and preserve them for the young generation who will learn the meaning of patriotism,� said Das.
Das also released the second edition of a book on the life and contributions of Hazarika on the occasion.
On the other hand, veteran journalist DN Chakravartty who presided over the function recalled the role of Hazarika in shaping public opinion and said that his style of writing made a powerful impact on journalism in Assam.
Presenting the Asomsurya Kirtinath Hazarika Memorial Lecture, educationist Dr Upen Rabha Hakasam called for an academic discussion on the issue of granting ST status and its relevance in the backdrop of the ethnicity and cultural landscape of the State.
Hakasam took a historical perspective on the migration of different ethnic groups and other communities to the State, their growth and the differences and similarities they shared. He said that under the present circumstances, granting of ST status to the six communities demanding it would not ensure any major benefits for the groups. He suggested for constitutional safeguards to protect the interest of the ethnic groups.
