Dibrugarh, June 4: The labour of love of tea planter Devi Prasad Bagrodia, translating Naam Ghoxa, Madhabdeb's 16th century book of verses in praise of lord Krishna, has borne fruit after six years.

The book was released by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function organised by Jeoti Moral Sangha, a socio-cultural organisation, here today.

"I have tried my best to translate the works of Srimanta Xankardeb and Madhabdeb into Hindi since they are less known to others outside Assam. It is my aim to spread the works of these Vaishnavite saints across the world," Bagrodia told the gathering.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he said, "On October 2011, I started the translation of Naam Ghoxa and it took me six years to complete it. Nagen Saikia (former president of Asam Sahitya Sabha and litterateur) motivated me to translate Naam Ghoxa into Hindi."

"I started translation work in 1986 and the first translated work was Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla's Gunamala. I have studied Xankardeb and Madhabdeb's works very closely and thought translating their works into Hindi will make them familiar to others. I have also translated borgeets composed by both saints into Hindi,'' he added.

He said he has also published The Agarwala Family of Tezpur written by Bibekananda Agarwala.

Saikia congratulated Bagrodia for his translation of Naam Ghoxa and said it will open a new chapter in Assamese society and help to make readers in other parts of the country familiar with the works of Madhabdeb.

Sonowal, who lauded Bagrodia's effort, said: "Mahapurush Xankardeb and Madhabdeb have made immense contribution to Assamese society and advocated a casteless society. Therefore, I think we should follow the path shown by these great saints."

Bagrodia has translated the complete works of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala in Jyoti Sudha in 1991 and Jyoti Prabha in 1995.

Bagrodia's other translations include Saikia's Mit-Bhash, Chah Gasar Kalam, Sukhor Prithivi, Mirabai and Agasta Yatra.