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TEZPUR: “The development of rural libraries is crucial for achieving social uplift. Their role in societal progress is undeniable. For the sake of social development, the Assam Library Act must be implemented. Once enforced, this Act will have a far-reaching impact on the social life of Assam,” said Dr Narendra Lahkar, retired Professor of Library Science, Gauhati University. He was speaking as a distinguished guest at the National Library Day programme held on Tuesday at Lakshminath Bezbarua Hall, Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX).
The event was organized by the AXX in association with the All Assam Rural Library Association and was presided over by Xabha vice-president Padum Rajkhowa.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, noted educationist and former Principal of West Guwahati College, Dr Bolendra Kumar Das, remarked, “National Library Day holds immense significance in Assam’s intellectual life. Today’s programme highlights a core truth — without books, a nation cannot survive. Books give strength to language and literature.”
In his address, AXX general secretary Debojit Bora noted, “After the Assam Government declared the ‘Year of the Book’, the importance of libraries has increased manifold. This initiative has helped promote not only Assamese but also other indigenous languages.”
Inaugurating the event, All Assam Rural Library Association president Pratap Hazarika observed, “Today is a special milestone in Assam’s book movement. The joint observance of Library Day by the Xabha and the Association will be welcomed by the state’s intellectual community.”
Session president and AXX vice-president Padum Rajkhowa, in his concluding remarks, urged, “The Assam Library Act should be finalized and implemented without delay. Just like district libraries, rural libraries also require active government support.”
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of lamps by association vice-presidents Dhiren Chandra Sharma and Sachindra Dev Mahanta. Students of Navodaya Vidyalaya opened the event with the song Siro Senehi Mor Bhasha Janani, followed by a Borgeet performance. Swargajyoti Chetia, Convenor of the Xabha’s IT Sub-Committee, delivered the welcome address.
Special guests included Dr Bodhen Saikia, Associate Professor of Morigaon College, and Xahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Award winner Surendra Mohan Das. The cultural segment featured poem recitations by Navodaya Vidyalaya students, a flute recital by Neelam Nilay Kalita, a Sattriya dance performance by Mrigangkshi Bhuyan and her troupe, and a Dihanaam presentation by a Guwahati-based cultural group.
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