Silchar: The Department of Anthropology of Gurucharan University organised the third Dr. Amitabha Das Gupta Memorial Lecture at the university auditorium on September 15 to mark the 84th birth anniversary of the late Dr. Amitabha Das Gupta, founder and former Head of the Department of Anthropology at Gurucharan College.

The programme began with floral tributes and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp in memory of Dr. Das Gupta, followed by Saraswati Vandana presented by Goutami Malakar, a seventh-semester student of the department.

Dr. Jyoti Hazarika, Head of the Department of Anthropology, delivered the welcome address and spoke about the history of the department and the development of Anthropology in southern Assam. Vice-Chancellor Professor Niranjan Roy also addressed the gathering and encouraged the department to continue organising the memorial lecture every year.

Dr. Das Gupta’s daughter, Supradipta Dey, recalled memories of her father and thanked the department for remembering his contribution. Ashok Kumar Gupta Roy, a former teacher and direct student of Dr Das Gupta, also shared his experiences of studying and later working with him. He said Dr Das Gupta had envisioned establishing Anthropology as a strong academic discipline.

Professor Narendra Singh of Assam University, Diphu Campus, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the possibilities for the further growth of Anthropology in the Barak Valley.

The main memorial lecture was delivered by noted anthropologist Professor Gulrukh Begum, former Head of the Department of Anthropology at Gauhati University. She spoke on “Nutritional Adaptation: Adapting to Survive and Thrive”, explaining how different communities adapt physiologically and culturally to diverse environments to survive and prosper.

Dr Baman Kiri Rongpi introduced Professor Begum and later delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Dr John Basumatary, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, and concluded with the national anthem.