Kamrupa Anusandhana Samiti president Jogendra Nath Phukon unfurls the organisation?s flag on its 94th foundation day

April 7: The frail edifice that houses a nonagenarian research institute at Ambari is resonant with its tale of neglect and apathy. But it also reveals the determination of a handful of historians who are trying to preserve the region?s history and promote awareness about it.

The Kamrupa Anusandhan Samiti, established in 1912, today observed its foundation day quietly at its office here, with a pledge to continue its efforts to preserve and promote the sources of the region?s history.

?No matter what comes, we will carry on. We are not bothered whether the government shows any interest in taking care of the valuable records of our history and culture we are preserving,? said a member of the association.

Formed through a resolution of the Bangiya Sahitya Sanmelan to delve into the region?s glorious past, the institute has been involved in collecting ancient manuscripts, researching on archaeological findings and promoting history through its well-acclaimed research journal. The journal has been in publication since 1933.

The Kamrupa Anusandhan Samiti was also instrumental in setting up the Assam State Museum in the early Nineties. The association started collecting objects of historical and cultural significance, which ultimately culminated in a museum that was subsequently taken over by the government in 1953.

?Our people are better informed about the history of, say, America, than our own past. Neither the government nor our society is keen to know our past. We are oblivious of our roots,? rued the member.

Despite the financial constraints, the institute has been able to soldier on only because of the determination and effort on part of the individual members.

Dispur earlier used to provide a grant of Rs 1 lakh to the institute annually through the directorate of state museums. But that, too, has been stopped for the past three years.

The institute has a collection of 203 rare manuscripts, including 14 illustrated ones.

Kamrupa Anusandhan Samiti general secretary G. Adhikary said the organisation would organise workshops and seminars to create awareness among the younger generation about the region?s history.

The simple function that was organised by the institute today to commemorate its foundation day started with a flag-hoisting ceremony.

Several historians recalled the role played by the institute in preserving the region?s history. They emphasised popularisation of history among youngsters.

Adhikari stressed the need to involve educational institutions in this regard.