Silchar: Assam University paid homage to the language martyrs of July 21 through a day-long observance that combined solemn tributes with academic discussions and cultural performances. The commemoration began in the morning with floral offerings at the university’s language martyrs’ memorial, where faculty members, researchers, students, and staff gathered in remembrance.

Among those who paid tribute were Registrar Dr. Pradosh Kiran Nath, Prof. Ajit Kumar Baishya (Dean, Faculty of Indian Languages), Professor Mehmood Alam Ansari (Dean, Faculty of Economics and Commerce), Prof. Charvak (Head, Department of Mass Communication), Prof. Shanti Pokhrel (Head, Sanskrit Department), senior Bengali faculty member Prof. Bela Das, and poet Chandrima Dutta.

The main programme was held at the university’s Swapna Devi Smriti Sadan, where a commemorative discussion session was organized. The session was chaired by noted linguist Prof. Ajit Kumar Baishya, with the welcome address delivered by Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee, Head of the Bengali Department. Prof. Bhattacharya reflected on the Barak Valley language movement as a struggle to safeguard India’s multilingual and multicultural ethos.

He noted the growing vulnerability of mother tongues in an increasingly globalized world and called for a renewed understanding of the language struggle in present-day context.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant, while paying homage to the martyrs, underlined the linguistic and cultural diversity of Northeast India as a cornerstone of national unity and beauty. He stressed that not all languages receive equal institutional support, and urged academic communities especially those in language departments to work proactively for the development of marginal and underrepresented languages.

Highlighting the historical link between the language struggle and the university’s establishment, keynote speaker and writer Sanjib Deb Laskar provided insight into the 1986 language movement. He emphasized that the sacrifice of martyrs like Jagan and Jishu contributed significantly to the demand for a university in South Assam. The Assam University Act was passed just three years after their martyrdom.

Laskar also spoke of the wider socio-political context, referencing intellectuals like Suniti Kumar Chatterjee and Sujit Choudhury, and discussed the role of Shiksha Sangrakshan Samiti and other stakeholders in the university’s founding. He expressed concern over attempts to distort the true history of Assam University’s origins.

In his presidential address, Prof. Ajit Kumar Baishya emphasized language as a bridge among people but acknowledged the harsh reality of “matsyanyaya” the dominance of stronger languages over weaker ones. He cited recent language tensions in Maharashtra to illustrate how political interests often complicate linguistic harmony. Prof. Shanti Pokhrel of the Sanskrit Department also shared relevant reflections during the session.

The second half of the day featured a poetry reading session, conducted by poet and professor Suman Goon. Poets who presented their works included veteran researcher Dilip Kanti Laskar, Chandrima Dutta, Dr. Mujib Swadeshi, Prof. Mahuya Sengupta, Surajit Pramanik, Ipsita Dev, and Shankhabhushan Laskar. Students from the Bengali department opened the session with a choral performance, and the event concluded with a graceful dance recital by student Tanushree Chakraborty.

The programme was curated and coordinated by Dr. Rahul Das and Prof. Rintu Das, marking a meaningful tribute to the language martyrs and reaffirming Assam University’s commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

Promotional | Subscribe KRC TIMES e-copy