GUWAHATI, June 29 � Breaking new grounds in promoting Assamese language and literature, the Asam Sahitya Sabha is all set to establish a new research centre at Kolkata. The facility named Jonaki Language-Literature-Culture Centre, would bring into focus the literary and cultural rejuvenation that was brought about by the journal Jonaki way back in the 19th century.
At a press meet held at the Bhagawati Prasad Baruah Bhawan, here, Sabha president Rongbong Terang revealed that a scheme detailing the centre has been handed over to West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya, who has appreciated the initiative and assured the Sabha of his support.
The centre would serve the interest of researchers who would like to study various aspects of the Jonaki period, including the works of noted litterateurs who were intrinsic to the movement that gave Assamese literature a new dimension.
According to Sabha secretary Paramananda Rajbongshi, the West Bengal Chief Minister was further requested to name an important road after Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaruah and to erect a bronze statue of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi. Bhattacharya gave a positive response in this regard and also asked the Sabha to promote cultural exchanges between Assam and West Bengal in a platform called Ganga-Brahmaputra.
The Sabha delegation was led by its president Rongbong Terang and included, Kanak Chandra Sarma, Dr Paramananda Rajbongshi, Gokulmohan Hazarika, among others.
According to the Sabha president, the launch of the new centre is part of the Sabha�s overall effort to build links with neighbouring cultures, and contribute to mutual understanding. The Sabha has already developed cultural ties with Tripura, and after West Bengal the literary body will seek to establish its presence in Orissa with which Assam had vibrant ties in the past.
Meanwhile, the Sabha successfully organised a lecture session on the life and works of Bishnu Prasad Rava in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi at Kolkata on June 20. Eminent litterateur Arun Sarma delivered the first lecture, which was followed by lectures by Prof Manabendra Bandopadhay and Gautam Prasad Baruah.
The event also witnessed felicitation of classical dancer Devayani Chaliha, and Ranu Biswas, the wife of late Hemanga Biswas and Hemendra Prasad Baruah. A number of noted personalities representing the intellectual and cultural milieu of Kolkata were present on the occasion.
For the first time the Sabha centrally organised Bishnu Rava Divas at Kolkata. Several songs of the Kalaguru, dance performances, and speeches marked the event held at Kolkata�s Assam Bhawan.
