Jerenga Pathar (Sivasagar), Feb. 12: Asam Sahitya Sabha today resolved to finalise its vision document within two months by taking suggestions from people and submit it to chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The five-day centenary celebrations of the Sabha concluded today.
The Sabha's executive and delegate meeting on Thursday had discussed details about the vision document - a road map of the Sabha in the next 100 years.
The literary body decided to hold its biennial session at Bordumsa in Upper Assam's Tinsukia district from February 1 to 4 next year. It had earlier decided to hold the session at the end of this year.
The Sabha also resolved to form a forum of teachers of government and private Assamese-medium schools and take initiative to improve them by improving textbooks and awarding dedicated teachers.
It resolved to publish an Assamese magazine, opening schools in its name, set up a language research centre, appeal to the state government to conduct job entrance tests in Assamese and help it launch a satellite television channel for propagation of unadulterated Assamese.
Sabha's president in-charge Prahlad Chandra Tasa, who presided over the open session yesterday, said Assamese people should protect the glory of their language as the missionaries from the US will not come again to work for the language. Assamese language got a major boost with the setting up of a printing press by the missionaries and publishing books like the first Assamese book Dharmapustak.
"Stalwarts like Anandaram Dhekial Phukan, Hemchandra Barua and Gunabhiram Barua are no more. The responsibility of protecting the glory of the language is on us," said Tasa.
"But the reality is that many among the new generation do not know the language. Interest must be created for the language among youth. There is a need for improvement and simplification of textbooks. I have seen a primary student being forced to study Madhab Kandali!" said Nani Gopal Mahanta, a Gauhati University professor.
"Besides, I have seen a cabinet minister calling for making Sanskrit mandatory in schools. What should have been the priority of the state government - making Sanskrit mandatory or Assamese?" Mahanta, considered one of the most outspoken intellectuals, asked.
The members of the reception committee were happy today that despite all controversies, former Sabha president Imran Shah attended the session and another, Rong Bong Terang, sent a message wishing success.
Shah, who lives in Sivasagar town but could not actively take part in the session because of illness, said Sivasagar district has all required elements - from nature to industry - to produce world-class literature. "But we have failed to utilise the elements," he said.
Sabha's general secretary in-charge Abani Mohan Saharia expressed happiness for "successful" conclusion of the session.
However, a tinge of sadness was apparent among members who got only 12 days to give finishing touches to the preparation because of controversies.
"We should not try to defame this glorious institution (Sabha) because of a certain individual. Moreover, we should not think that the Sabha is only a body of litterateurs. It belongs also to those who came and attended the session," said Sonaram Baruah, president of the reception committee.
The Sabha had faced criticism when its open session yesterday was dominated by politicians rather than writers.
