[Assam] Ninth annual session of Sahitya Sabha's UK unit held (The Assam Tribune, 02.08.2007)

[Buljit Buragohain]

Ninth annual session of Sahitya Sabha's UK unit held
 GUWAHATI, July 31 – Asam Sahitya Sabha UK (ASSUK) the torch bearer of Assamese literature and culture in the UK had its annual general meeting and cultural evening at a Sottish country side hall in Carlucke, South Lanarkshire on July 14 with zeal and enthusiasm. This took place on invitation of Anima Sharma and Nirala Baruah, the two Scottish delegates to last year's AGM & cultural programme in Wales.

There was a great attendance of people from the US, Europe, Assam, and from the UK. The event was partly funded by South Lanarkshire District Council, Strathclyde Police and Henna Ladies Club of Carluke.

The Sabha flag was hoisted by the most senior member Dr Anil Ranjan Barthakur. 

He invited every one to stand united under the flag and contemplate upon the wonderful glories of all the worthy and courageous sons of 'Ai Axom' and draw inspiration and genuine strength and imbibe their bright qualities of life, light and energy to lift up the position of 'Ai Axom'.

The opening song Siro senehi mor bhaxa janani was sung in chorus by Lahori Barthakur, Nilima Bhagabati, Surobhi Lahon, Puspa Hazarika, Nirala Baruah, Anima Sharma, Tarun Kumar Chowdhury, Khageswar Lahon and others led by Manjira Chowdhury with Rishi Chowdhury on tabla. 

Nirala Baruah welcomed the gathering to ASSUK's 9th annual meeting and thanked South Lanarkshire District Council, Strathclyde Police and Henna Ladies Club of Carluke whose financial support helped in organising the event.

Gagon Hazarika, the president welcomed the audience with an outline of ASSUKs activities and said that literature and culture could bring about a sense of unity and solidarity in today's volatile world. He said that they are concerned about slowing the development process by the impasse between authority and the insurgent groups in the north east of India and the vexed problem of illegal infiltration. He urged the parties concerned to work out an acceptable solution in order that peace and prosperity returns.

Lahori Barthakur, the vice-president, stated that ASSUK stands under the banner of Asam Sahitya Sabha (ASS) and also is a charity organisation in this country. Any one can join ASSUK who loves Assam, who has connection with Assam and draw benefit of its unique culture, language and its heritage. 

Manjira Chowdhury, the secretary explained that ASSUK holds three major events a year and to make every event a successful one it needs not only local support but also support from the authorities at home. To encourage language, literature and culture to develop, Assam needs a stable and peaceful environment.

Dr Karuna Sagar Das, the treasurer also spoke briefly about the financial health of the organisation and appealed to the audience for their undivided support in carrying forward ASSUK's noble mission.

Dr Tarun Kumar Chow-dhury also spoke about the political instability in Assam which is holding back the economic and social development and free market economy to thrive like the rest of India. Nilmoni Sikdar spoke about unity and solidarity. Roy Hilldrup one of the distinguished guests praised ASSUK that it may be a small organisation but with a noble mission of peace and prosperity that have spelled out clearly.

Prof. Nilima Bhagabati of Gauhati University gave a presentation focussing on the prevailing situation of Assam. She highlighted the failure of tapping the abundant resources of Assam on one hand and the poor plight of a large section of un-reached, underprivileged people on the other hand. 

There was a recitation of self written poems by Nirala Baruah, Surobhi Lahon and Mayapee Chowdhury-Hilldrup; Shankar Sharma recited a few poems by the great Scottish poet Roberts Burns and others and Manjira Chowdhury recited poems by Prabin Hazarika one of the senior members of ASSUK.

ASSUK executive accepted the invitation from Dr Karuna Sagar and Arundhuti Das to hold the next 10th AGM and cultural programme in Bradford.

A very enjoyable quiz on Assam compiled and devised by Shanta Paramita Goswami (a student of Cotton College, Guwahati) and Prof Ranjit Kumar Dev Goswami of Gauhati University, was conducted by Manjira Chowdhury before the cultural evening.

The cultural evening started with Rudra Baruah's song 'Aaami Axomorey jiyori o' by ASSUK ladies. Songs and dances were presented.

   (The Assam Tribune,02.08.2007)



       
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