GUWAHATI, Feb 28 � The Kalicharan Brahma Award-2014 was today presented to eminent linguist, researcher and educationist, Dr Satyendra Narayan Goswami, at a function held at the Rabindra Bhawan this evening.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi formally presented the award to Dr Goswami.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Goswami regretted the lack of serious and time-consuming research in diverse spheres in the State, especially in the realms of language and culture.
�This lack of interest in serious research should be a concern for all of us. For the last 15 years, I have refused to be a guide to students doing doctorate even though a number of students did their doctorate under me earlier,� he said.
Terming his taking up of Comparative Philology at the Calcutta University under the tutelage of Dr Sukumar Sen as a definitive moment for him, Dr Goswami said that after completing his study he opted for a career in the pursuit of knowledge rather than one that could have earned him a lot of money.
�I chose this path following the advice of my teacher Dr Sukumar Sen, and this changed the course of my life,� he said.
Terming the linguistically and ethnically diverse North East as a treasure trove for researchers, Dr Goswami said that a lot of work remained to be done in those spheres.
Dr Goswami also recalled the contributions made by the late Guru Kalicharan Brahma, who was a symbol of unity among the various communities living in the State, and always strove to eradicate social evils and to promote harmony.
Chief Minister Gogoi, who arrived at the function an hour later than the scheduled time, said that the State Government would facilitate study and research on the State�s rich and diverse ethnic, linguistic and cultural heritage. Cultural Affairs Minister Bismita Gogoi and Guru Jogeswar Brahma also addressed the gathering.
The award, instituted in the memory of Kalicharan Brahma by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Govt of Assam, carries Rs 2 lakh, a citation, a shawl and a sarai.