TEZPUR, April 4 - �Mighty Brahmaputra was never a problem-creating river. For not being able to understand it, we are facing many problems. Various calamities caused by the river are due to our lack of traditional knowledge on the reasons behind the problems and calamities caused by the mighty river.�
It was observed by Professor Chandan Kumar Sharma, Department of Sociology, Tezpur University, here on Monday while delivering speech in a symposium organised at District Library here in connection with the five-day Namami Brahmaputra Festival.
Speaking on �Mahabahu Brahmaputra aru asomor jatyo jibanat iar prabhab�, he said that there is no similarity between the concept on the river Brahmaputra and its reality. �To understand river Brahmaputra, we will have to go deep into the depth of its tributaries,� he said, adding that the river and its tributaries have been enriching our culture and civilization.
He also said that it is very unfortunate that many tributaries of mighty river Brahmaputra have died already because of many unscientific activities conducted for our interest. The river has its own characteristic. Its course is never static. There is a need of serious study on river Brahmaputra which is not possible by the State government. For doing a better study, cooperation of the Central government is a must, he said.
He also mentioned that the water ways played a major role in building the civilisation of the Assam. Ecology and environment of Assam is very rich which has a significant contribution from river Brahmaputra.
Stating that Namami Brahmaputra Festival will give a new dimension towards working for river Brahmaputra, Professor Sharma urged the government to come forward honestly for the development of the river with a proper plan thereby reflecting all-round development of the State, including its culture, heritage, civilisation and economy.
Another speaker, retired lecturer of Darrang College, Upendra Nath Sarma, speaking on the issue, said that due to the progress of science and technology, the globe is fast changing. �Brahmaputra is gaining much focus in the media. It is a very positive thing. Brahmaputra is a nerve centre for the livelihood of the people of Assam. We should greet Brahmaputra for its unmatched contribution towards us. Nature should never be used for the interest of the human being,� Sarma said.
Stating that the Brahmaputra is a �Secular River�, the noted academician said that it represents no any Brahmanism; rather it represents culture, heritage and civilisation of human being.
Noted litterateur and social worker Dr Sadhinata Mahanta, in her speech, said that the Brahmaputra had unmatched contribution towards the upspring of culture and civilisation of Assam, including the Vaisnavism taken place during the 5th and 6th century.
Retired principal of Tezpur College, Dr Saru Saharia Nath, in her speech, said that the river Brahmaputra sprout from Tibet as Changpoo and with the name of Chiang in Arunachal Pradesh is flowing through the heart of Assam with the name Brahmaputra. During this long course it has mingled with its many tributaries at many places, creating a great civilisation on its banks.
Prior to it, giving a keynote address in the auspicious occasion, Deputy Commissioner of Sonitpur, Manuj Kumar Deka, said that not only for offering puja, but converting Brahmaputra�s potentiality into a tourism industry, with a special focus on the culture and civilisation of different caste and communities of the State is the main agenda behind the Namami Brahmaputra Festival.
�Even the incessant downpour couldn�t dampen the festive spirit of the people here. Hundreds of people from every walk of the life are seen joining the festival amid bad weather inspiring us a lot,� the DC said.
Along with a host of dignitaries, the event chaired by noted litterateur Geeta Upaidhai and conducted by senior journalist Pankaj Baruah, was graced by president of Tezpur Sahitya Sabha, Hemanta Kumar Baruah; District Development commissioner Dizen Sinha and students and teachers from various schools and colleges.
A souvenir Sonit Knowori, edited by lecturer of Tezpur College, Dr Ranjan Kalita, was released by Dhekiajuli MLA, Ashok Kumar Singhal. Releasing the souvenir, Singhal said that Sonitpur has a unique role in the tourism sector of Assam.
�Sonitpur is the nerve centre of art and culture, while Tezpur is an important spot for tourism sector of the State,� Shinghal said.
