Renovation of Sambalpur houses of Rasaraj Lakshminath Bezbaruah underway

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The renovation and conservation works of the two houses – the residential house and the study or office house – of Rasaraj Lakshminath Bezbaruah at Sambalpur in Orissa have been going on in full swing.

Lakshminath Bezbaruah had been living at Sambalpur in Orrisa for 20 years from 1917 to 1937 and the constructed the two houses in 1924. The two houses were in shambles. The construction and renovation works of the two houses are being done by the Orrisa Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). Both Assam and Orrisa governments have extended Rs 50 lakh each for the renovation of the two houses.

Addressing the media here on Monday, Sahityarathi Lakshimath Bezbaruah Smriti Raksha Samiti (SLBSRS) general secretary Rantu Deka said, "Eighty per cent renovation works of the study house has been complete. It can be inaugurated next year. The study house will have a mini museum in line with the Lakshminath Bezbaruah Museum located at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati. The construction of the residential house will start after the completion of the study house."

The Samiti also showed some visual clippings of the progress of works of the two houses of Bezbaruah.

The Samiti thanked both Assam and Orissa governments for extending helping hands for the construction of the two houses of Bezbaruah. The Samiti has also raised the demand for a direct communication between Assam and Sambalpur in Orissa, at least by a weekly train.

Rantu Deka further said that the Samiti is going to celebrate the 156th birth anniversary of Lakshminath Bezbaruah with programmes at his birth place – Ahatguri in Morigaon district on October 14, 2020. The day will also be celebrated at the Lakshminath Bezbaruah Chowk at Gauhati Club by lighting 156 flames.

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