DOOMDOOMA, Dec 1 - �Assamese newspapers since the time of Arunoday have been playing a vital role in the evolution of the Assamese language. If Arunoday had not been published from Sivasagar in Upper Assam, then Kamrupia dialect would have been the Assamese language�.
The above was observed by Dr Satyakam Borthakur, Professor of the Assamese Department and Director of the Centre for Mass Communication and Journalism of Dibrugarh University while delivering the journalist Tilak Hazarika Memorial Lecture organised by Doomdooma Press Club (DPC) on November 27 at the DPC conference hall.
In the development of the Assamese language, the contribution of the tribal languages is also significant. Unfortunately, newspapers have not been published in sufficient numbers in the tribal languages of the State,� he rued.
Delivering the lecture on the topic, �Asomor Sangbad Jagat: Atit, Bartaman Aru Bhabishyat,� Dr Borthakur also said that the influence of globalisation was clearly visible in the Assamese media too. Though the media houses often claim themselves to be neutral, but they are not free from the influence of political parties.
Dr Borthakur also mentioned that �Cross-media ownership is gradually gripping the Assamese media too�.
The memorial lecture programme was chaired by retired principal of Doomdooma College and eminent Assamese writer Dr Prafulla Medhi. In his speech, Dr Medhi highlighted the merits and demerits of the Assamese media.
Earlier, the Principal of Doomdooma College Dr Prakashjyoti Borthakur inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial earthen lamp in front of the portrait of journalist Tilak Hazarika.
A senior journalist of Tinsukia district and former president of Tinsukia District Journalists� Association, Himen Bhattacharjee was felicitated on the occasion by Doomdooma Press Club. At the outset, the vice-president of DPC Pradip Kumar Moran delivered the welcome address while the programme was anchored by DPC secretary Abhijit Khataniar. He also offered the vote of thanks at the end.
It may be mentioned that DPC organised the programme to pay tribute to journalist Tilak Hazarika, who left for his heavenly abode on October 22 last. A good number of journalists from across Tinsukia district, besides teachers, social activists and local people attended the programme.