Assamese language has unifying influence: Terang

A Correspondent JORHAT, Jan 13 – Noted litterateur and president-elect of Asam Sahitya Sabha Rongbong Terang has strongly endorsed the unifying influence which Assamese as a medium of expression wields in literary and social circles. It is a sweet language which has been enriched by several sources, including those originating from different tribes and clans, he said. Terang, whose mother tongue is Karbi, writes in Assamese.The retired college teacher was interacting with reporters on the sidelines of the open session at the end of the three-day 13th biennial conference of Jorhat Zilla Sahitya Sabha held at Raidangjuri Nagabat Higher Secondary School in Raidangjuri under Titabor subdivision on Sunday. Kanak Chandra Sharma, the newly-elected vice president of Asam Sahitya Sabha, and Dr Parmananda Rajbongshi, the new general secretary, were felicitated in the open session along with Terang. The new office-bearers of the apex literary body of the State will formally take over charge at its forthcoming session at Dhemaji next month. Reposing his trust in Asam Sahitya Sabha, Terang said that it would strive to bridge the gap between the people of Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley. He called for the extension of literary activities to neighbouring States like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland. “Through the platform of Asam Sahitya Sabha, we can strengthen the age-old ties of unity and brotherhood and end the divisive tendencies in the region,” he maintained. The Padmashree awardee said that he has been overwhelmed by the love and support the people have given him since his election as the chief of Asam Sahitya Sabha. “Though I feel hesitant to sail in the mighty Brahmaputra, the cooperation of the people will guide me in the voyage,” he added rhetorically.On the differences among different linguistic groups and ethnic communities of the State, Terang expressed the hope that they would rally around Asam Sahitya Sabha and unite in bonds of brotherhood. When asked to comment on any possible role for the literary body to resolve insurgency and boundary disputes, the writer termed these as “political issues.” However, as literature has no boundaries, it may play a unifying part, he said. The new Asam Sahitya Sabha president laid the foundation stone of the office of Raidangjuri Sahitya Samaj in a separate function. President of Deori Sahitya Sabha Nripen Deori and former president of Mising Sahitya Sabha Chengaram Morang also addressed the open session. The former stressed the need for cultivating a love for language and literature to preserve identity and build unity. Educationist Sonadhar Rajkhowa, president of the reception committee of the open session, delivered the welcome speech and also read out a message from Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. There was a change of guard as the new office-bearers of Jorhat Zilla Sahitya Sabha took over from their predecessors for the session, 2009-2011. source: assam tribune