Stress laid on building early reading and writing habits of children in Assam Science Writers Association

A Correspondent

North Lakhimpur: The ninth biennial conference of Assam Science Writers Association (ASWA) was held at Genius Academy, North Lakhimpur on Sunday with a day-long programme. The programme got underway with the hoisting of the flag by president Dr Muknda Rajbongshi who chaired the open session held thereafter. General secretary Munin Sabhapandit explained the objectives of the meeting and read out the secretarial report for 2017-2018 which was endorsed by the house. President Mukunda Rajbongshi in his welcome address laid great emphasis on the development of reading and writing habits of children at an early stage. The habit of consulting a dictionary is also important for them, he pointed out.

On ASWA’s role, he said that the organization could widen its base horizontally and vertically only through publishing need-based quality books. ‘Besides inspiring them, it will be then able to enhance their inclination towards books,” he added. A book Vigyan Sahitya, edited by Dr Aravindan Rajkhowa and published with financial assistance offered by North Lakhimpur Autonomous College, was released by noted science writer and founder president, ASWA Dr Dinesh Ch Goswami.

In his speech, Dr Goswami exhorted the science writers to constantly endeavour to acquire the skills required for science communicators in addition to developing their level of confidence. A 23-member executive body was newly elected with Dhiren Deka as president, Dr Biman Chetia, Labanya Lahon Chutia, Abhijit Sarma Baruah as vice-presidents and Dr Kalyan Bhuyan as general secretary.

In the end, a popular talk on ‘Popularization of Science’ was delivered by Jaydeep Baruah, secretary, Assam Science Society and Head of Environment division, Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC), Guwahati. Saying that with the establishment of Assam Science Society in 1953, Assam was not lagging behind much in this regard compared to the all India scenario. The public engagement in science was of utmost importance in India today, he added.

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