GUWAHATI, May 5 - �Dr Hiren Gohain always guides us in every social dilemma and I think we should honour him with the title of �Conscience of Assam�,� observed former Director General of Assam Police and eminent writer Harekrishna Deka, while speaking at a function held here on Sunday to celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr Gohain.
Analysing the literary works of Dr Gohain, Deka said, �He is well known as a critic among readers. But he is also an excellent writer. But due to some reasons, his literary works, especially his poetry, are yet to get proper attention from the people. I think all of his literary works are assets of Assam.�
�As a critic, Dr Gohain played a great role while Assamese literature took a turn towards modernism. During that time, he did a proper evaluation of Assamese literary works. Writers like me used to follow his writings in that period to get to the right path. Due to proper evaluation by Dr Gohain, Assam has got poets like Nilamani Phukan,� Deka added.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Akhil Ranjan Dutta, a professor of Gauhati University, said, �Today, the writings of Dr Gohain, which are available on the internet, are the main source for many people outside the State to study about the political scenario of Assam.�
Analysing Dr Gohain�s political writings, Dutta said, �He may be the only person from Assam who very clearly understands the character of the nation. In his writings, he has also analysed the character of colonialism and neo-colonialism very well. During the time of the Assam Agitation, readers saw his political thinking through various writings. He never ignored the agitation, rather he pointed out its loopholes.�
Stating that Dr Gohain was highly influenced by Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Dutta said that to understand Dr Hiren Gohain very well, one should go through both his literary and political writings, as the writer believes in liberal democracy and he was a nationalist more than a Marxist.
Conveying his gratitude to all for celebrating his birthday in such a grand way, Dr Gohain said, �We are now going through a very tough time and we have to continue our fight. I think all the people present at this function are soldiers of this battle.� He also urged people to prioritise the issue of humanity in all aspects of life.
A large number of people as well as organisations greeted Dr Gohain during the programme, presided over by noted writer Nirupama Borgohain.
