A CORRESPONDENT
BOKAKHAT: “There is no women’s literary organization like the Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti anywhere in the world. This organization was born out of the need for a separate platform dedicated to literary discussions among women. Literature is essentially the creative expression of life’s events through poems, essays, and stories. When expressed with discipline and refinement, literature becomes nectar for the soul,” said renowned writer and former President of the Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti, Dr Charu Saharia Nath. She was speaking as a distinguished speaker during the open session of the bi-annual conference of the Sandhani Lekhika Samaroh Samiti held in Bokakhat.
Nath also mentioned that the organization is making continued efforts to restore the ‘Ai Padmapriya Satra,’ the only satra (Vaishnavite monastery) established by a woman satradhikar (head priest). She added that the organization had already appealed to Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for support. The Chief Minister, acknowledging the significance, entrusted MLA Pradip Hazarika with the responsibility. The current President of the Lekhika Samaroh Samiti, Suvarna Saikia Bordoloi, who is fondly called the modern-day ‘Saraswati’ of the Samiti, has been relentlessly working on this cause.
Distinguished guests present at the event included Bokakhat Subdivisional Journalists’ Association President Bubul Dutta, All Assam Nationalist Youth Students’ Union Vice-President Bipul Bora, and Press Club President Bhabananda Kalita, who also delivered speeches.
In front of the bust of Annada Saikia, a source of inspiration, candles were lit and floral tributes were paid by Chandraprabha Saikia and Suvarna Saikia Bordoloi. Other dignitaries and participants at the event also took part in the candle-lighting and tribute ceremony.
Chandraprabha Saikia Dekai, Editor of Sandhani, anchored the event. In front of a portrait of founding President Padma Shri Dr Sheela Borthakur, a lamp was lit by Dr Gayatri Kakoti Bora, Professor at Kamargaon College. In front of a portrait of the inspiring Annada Saikia, lamps were lit by Dalimi Saikia Bora, President of the Golaghat district branch of the Samiti, and Dr Charu Saharia Nath.
The open session that followed was presided over by Putuli Khound, President of the Sandhani Lekhika Samaroh Samiti. The event opened with a chorus by women from Milanpur. Geetanjali Kalita, Editor of the Sandhani Lekhika Samaroh Samiti, read the condolence resolution while Chandraprabha Saikia Dekai explained the purpose of the session. The session was inaugurated by Samiti President Suvarna Saikia Bordoloi, and the welcome address was delivered by Executive President Kalpana Chetia. The keynote speech was delivered by retired Principal of Tezpur College and renowned writer Dr Charu Saharia Nath.
Attending as a special guest, Jitu Sharma Rajkhowa, President of the Assam State Journalists' Association, appealed to the Samiti, as a leading women's intellectual organization, to raise awareness about the social crisis arising from certain women's use of social media to showcase their bodies for attention. Sharma also launched the Samiti’s mouthpiece Sandhini.
During the session, various books were also launched. Dr Vibha Bora, retired Principal of DR College, released the felicitation volume on Prabhat Bordoloi. Suvarna Saikia Bordoloi released Anjana Gogoi's book ‘Bhraman Niryas,’ Dr Jayanta Das released Dr Vibha Bora’s book ‘Birangana Sati Sadhani: An Insight Through My Eyes,’ Putuli Khound launched Kunjalata Das’s book ‘Ashar Ekani Noy,’ and Kalpana Chetia released Bodheswari Bora’s book ‘Michil.’ The event was anchored by Geetanjali Kalita. As part of the bi-annual conference, prizes were distributed for:the Annada Saikia Inspirational Essay Competition,the Late Tuaram Dutta and Renuka Dutta Memorial Women’s Extempore Speech Competition, andthe Pankaj-Madan Kalita Memorial Solo Acting Competition.
The event concluded with Shanti Dutta Bordoloi, the Editor, offering words of gratitude.
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