Guwahati, Nov. 14: Assam governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik today said it would be the greatest tribute to writer Mamoni Raisom Goswami if the “inhuman” practice of animal sacrifice were stopped at Kamakhya temple.

During the celebration of Mamoni’s 72nd birth anniversary at ITA Cultural Complex at Machkhowa here, Patnaik termed the author’s tirade against animal sacrifice at Kamakhya as one of her important social reforms.

“One of the social reforms Mamoni Raisom Goswami had worked for was a ban on animal sacrifice in the temple. Once this inhuman practice stops, it would be the greatest tribute to her by the people of Assam,” said Patnaik.

The birth anniversary celebration was organised by South East Asia Ramayana Research Centre and Byatikram MASDO (an NGO), in collaboration with Assam University.

In her book Chinnamastar Manuhto (The Man from Chinnamasta), she spoke out against the practice, provoking criticism from the priests of Kamakhya temple.

Goswami’s three books — Mor Likhar Nepothya Kahini, Nilakanthi Braja and Chinnamastar Manuhto — were also released in English, Bangla and Nepali.

Patnaik recalled how Goswami visited Raj Bhavan several times to meet him and on one occasion, to greet him for taking women to Patbausi Xatra, for she was not allowed to enter the xatra.

An exhibition of Mamoni’s photographs was also held.

A 15-member delegation from Nagaland participated in the celebrations.

Tovi Hoto, the parliamentary secretary of Nagaland, said the Northeast needed more people like Mamoni.

“Her immense contribution to the field of Assamese literature and her role as the mediator between Ulfa and the Centre is outstanding, though she considered herself as an observer,” Hoto said.

“Today, our region needs more Goswamis. All the northeastern states should come together as one and put up a united voice expressing the concerns and needs of the region,” Hoto said.