GUWAHATI, June 9 - Dr Ashok Kumar Goswami, an eminent oriental scholar and retired Head of the Department of Sanskrit at Gauhati University (GU), was felicitated on Sunday on his 80th birthday and a book on his life and works released on the occasion.
A function was held at the Panjabari Senior Citizens� Association under the presidentship of DN Sarma, president of the Assam branch of the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad.
Inaugurating the function, senior journalist DN Chakravartty described Dr Goswami as one of the most outstanding oriental scholars of the 20th century and the current times.
Chakravartty gave an account of the brilliant student career of Dr Goswami and a critical appraisal of his literary works comprising around 50 books, including monumental works like Studies in Indology, Sura Bharati (in three volumes), Jyotish Bharati and the Bharatiya Sahitya Khanda, which is a part of the Asomiya Biswakosh.
He said Dr Goswami was one of the most popular teachers of GU and a relentless guide for research scholars and writers and scholars spread all over the State.
Dr Rajen Sarma, who was a student of Dr Goswami, recalled his association with the scholar � both as his student and also as a colleague during his later days in GU.
Madhab Sarma, former Controller of Examinations at Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, said that scholars like Dr Goswami enriched the Indian thought through their silent works.
Malashree Laskar Bora, the compiler and editor of the book on Dr Goswami, said she was inspired by the great erudition of Dr Goswami and made an effort to perpetuate his legacy through her humble effort. Dr Dilip Kalita and Kalpana Rajkumari also spoke on the richness of Dr Goswami literary works.
Dr Goswami, replying to the felicitation, recalled with gratitude the instructions and guidance he had received from KK Handiqui, Jogiraj Basu and Dr Mukunda Madhab Sarma. He said he was indebted throughout his life to Dr Mukunda Madhab Sarma for his much-needed financial assistance and guidance during his difficult days as a poor postgraduate student.
