NAGAON, Aug 25 � A day long speech programme based on the topic �An evaluation of Assamese Sikh community and their contribution to social, cultural life of Assam� was organized by the Guru Tegbahadur Jatiya Nyas (Guwahati), Assam in the District Library auditorium here today.
The day started with a Sabat Kirtan followed by a rendering from Namghosa by Gyani Jasbir Singh and his team from Borkola Gurudwara. It was followed by the welcome note by Mandeep Singh who also anchored the programme.
Former Assam Sahitya Sabha presidents Dr Lakshminandan Bora, Dr Mohim Bora and Dr Nagen Saikia, historian Dr Rajen Saikia and Mithila Ratna award winner and former principal of Pragjyotish College, Guwahati, Bhupendra Singh were present in the programme as the chief speakers. They were felicitated by the organisers and some other Sikh sociocultural organizations.
Dr Lakshminandan Bora gave some valuable information over the past history of the Sikh community�s arrival in the then Assam, while Dr Mohim Bora dwelt on the contributions of the Assamese Sikhs. Dr Nagen Saikia spoke about the similarity of Sikh religious practice of worshipping one God preached by Guru Nanak with that of Srimanta Sankardev�s preachings. Dr Rajen Saikia termed the Assamese Sikhs a part and parcel of Assam�s historical, social and cultural spheres.
An Assamese book titled Hadirachokir-pora Borkola-loi, edited by Nanda Singh Borkola and Kabita Rani Singh was released on this occasion.
