GUWAHATI, June 12 - �Assam has a long history of publishing books, but unfortunately, we do not have a written account of prevalent practices in book publishing. A well researched history of book publishing in Assam would not just bring to fore some little known facts but would also be a great help for future references.�
Delivering a speech on the topic �Book publishing: past, present and future�, eminent educationist and writer Dr Gobinda Prasad Sarma made the above remarks. The programme was organised by Shree Books as part of its initiative to promote books and book reading habit among people.
Dr Sarma dwelt at length on the history of publications in Assam since the Arunudoi era. Highlighting that book distribution system has still not grown in a desired manner in Assam, he said that even in modern times, a strong distribution network and co-ordination among the publishers is needed so that people in one corner of the state can easily get the book published in some other part.
He also threw light on innovative measures taken by publishing houses like Bhattacharya Agency in Dibrugarh, which encouraged new writers with honorariums and Borkotoki Company, among others. He also highlighted the role of Hari Narayan Dutta Baruah in collecting the ancient literature and religious scriptures and publishing those in the book format, endeavour of Bichitra Narayan Dutta Baruah in starting Lawyers� Book Stall and encouraging the works of contemporary writers.
�Publication of books is going to be a major challenge in the future not because of a fall in demand, but due to depleting natural resources. As the ancient sanchipat manuscripts got extinct, papers are also not to stay there forever. However, we have the option of reading e-books but whether it would give the same comfort as a paper book is a matter for all of us to ponder,� he added.
The meeting was presided over by litterateur Birendra Nath Dutta.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Gautam Kumar Bordoloi, proprietor of Shree Books, said that the newly-established publishing house would initiate several measures for promoting all kinds of literary and academic writing from Assam and the Northeast. �One of our future projects include biographies of the unsung heroes of Assam,� he added. Veteran journalist DN Bezboruah also spoke on the occasion.
Bhraman Deshe Bideshe, a book by Dr Dinanath Bordoloi was also released on the occasion.