GUWAHATI, April 24 - Glowing tributes were paid in the hallowed memory of Pandit Jajnoram Sarma, a pioneer educationist of Upper Assam at a solemn function organised at Baligaon in Jorhat on April 13 and 14 last, a press release received here stated.
Sarma is also credited with being the founder of the second primary school in Jorhat district. His manifold contributions in the field of social reforms and spiritual advancement were recalled at the function in the presence of a large and distinguished gathering.
The function, organised on the occasion of the 161st birth anniversary of the Pandit, synchronised with the celebration of the 150th year of Sri Sri Annapurna Puja initiated by him and the 147th anniversary of the LP school founded by him in 1869.
A public meeting and a memorial lecture organised on the occasion was presided over by Dr Rita Sarma, principal of Jorhat Engineering College and was inaugurated by Chandra Prabha Bhattacharyya, eminent educationist and writer. The function which began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Aurobinda Sarma, chairman of the celebration committee, was addressed by senior journalist DN Chakravartty as the chief guest.
Chakravartty in his hour- long speech on �Indian Education System� the past and the present and contributions of Jajnoram Sarma� said that it was because of the firm foundation laid by Pandit Sarma way back in the mid 19th century that a band of brilliant people, writers and social revolutionaries like Satyendra Nath Barkataki, Munin Barkataki, Padma Barkataki, Deven Acharyya, Murulidhar Barooah and Meghnath Bhattacharyya emerged from Baligaon to shine in various fields. He also mentioned about the gigantic challenges before the present generation of students in particular and the Assamese people in general.
Prof Mahasweta Devi in her speech laid stress on qualitative advancement of education to rid the society of various evils of the modern times.
As a part of the itinerary, retired Principal Kulendu Chandra Nath released the souvenir published on the occasion and spoke about the significance of Annapurna Puja.
Mukheswar Dutta, retired Head Pandit was felicitated on the occasion. Dr Bijoy Sarma, retired Principal of JB College, and who happens to be the grandson of Pandit Sarma, explained the purpose of the function, while Ranjit Sarma welcomed the guests.
Kajol Sarma, secretary of the celebration committee subsequently offered the vote of thanks. The cultural programme held in the evening was highlighted by active participation of well-known actress Prastuti Parasor, who is also the great granddaughter of Pandit Jajnoram Sarma.
