CM Sarbananda Sonowal releases compilation of Assamese children’s literature

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal released a compilation of Assamese children’s literature titled “Asom Sishu Sahitya Kosh” which covers 41 volumes in a function held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra here on Saturday.

The compilation was carried out by Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) with over two and a half years of painstaking efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal stressed on the need for literature that teaches children about humanitarian values and makes them capable of critical thinking. He said that no society can ever hope to be empowered without giving adequate importance to children. He hoped that “Asom Sishu Sahitya Kosh” would fulfil that need to a large extent.

Stating that values imbibed during early years leave lasting impact in life, Sonowal said that childhood teachings have relevance throughout life. He said that in today’s competitive world, children must develop their skills to march ahead but at the same time they should also be honest in their act and thought.

Appreciating the step taken by KKHSOU, Sonowal underlined the importance of developing competitive attitude among children. He said that today the society is confronted with many challenges which call for human resource who are morally strong having high humanitarian values. He observed that children litterateur must focus on subjects that promote such attitudes among children.

Expressing concern over rising number of drug users in society, the Chief Minister said that this leads to anxiety in many families. He also said that in today’s age of science and technology many people are still in the grip of superstition.

Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami who is also the Adviser of the Editorial Board of the compilation highlighted the importance of children literature for a knowledge based society. He said that there is a need to generate inquisitiveness among children as this leads to knowledge. He also hoped that just like the compilation of children literature published by KKHSOU that covers 41 volumes, an encyclopaedia of children literature would also be a reality in near future. Vice Chancellor of KKHSOU Dr. Hitesh Deka delivering the welcome speech highlighted the two and half years long efforts that went into the publication of this voluminous work. He thanked the State government for the financial help in carrying out this project. Saying that “Asom Sishu Sahitya Kosh” might be the first of its kind in the entire country, Dr. Deka said that steps have also been taken to preserve the volumes in digital format.

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