Books can never be replaced by mobile phones and social media: Mahendra Deka 

A Correspondent

TANGLA: Retired teacher, author, historian Parshu Ram Baruah of undivided Darrang district celebrated his 85th birthday on Friday at his residence in Bhuyakhat village of Udalguri district.

In a well-attended event two books on life and activities of the well-acclaimed author titled, ‘Aparajeya’ and ‘Parshu Ram Baruah Debar Jiban Alekhya’ were ceremoniously released on the occasion by President of Bhergaon unit Srimanta Sankardev Sangha, Mahendra Deka and Former President of Darrang chapter Axom Sahitya Sabha (AXX) Tarun Azad Deka. Speaking on the occasion, Deka said, “ Book is the ultimate source of knowledge since the inception of the printing press which has not only helped in dissemination of knowledge but also bringing in revolution among the people and added that books can never be replaced by mobile phones and social media as people still rely on books for authentic information.”

He further said, “ Writers are saints of the society which is evident by the writings of classical writers Rousseau and Voltaire writings which have ignited the French revolution or the writings of Leo Tolstoy which ignited the Russian revolution.”

Lauding the efforts of Parshu Ram Baruah for penning 32 books on history, politics, arts, and culture he said, “History of hamlets, towns never finds place in writings of metropolitan authors but it is persons like Baruah who have been instrumental in penning the history of undivided Darrang district which will go way long in adding many unknown facts to the Assam history.”

He further reiterated, “English is a lingua franca and it is important to learn English but the vernacular language must also be pursued by the new generation to give a holistic strength to the Assamese society.”

A cake-cutting ceremony was also held on the occasion following which local organizations, his well-wishers and readers felicitated him with phulam bihuwan, packets of books among others.

Author Parshu Ram Baruah acknowledging the love and affection of the people said, “Amidst the turmoils of my life there was one constant- my love of books, and an inclination for putting things down on paper and it was this that gave me the confidence and self-belief to take on the uncertainties of living in a changing world.”

The event was anchored by senior journalist Bapan Sarma and attended by several noted citizens including President of Udalguri chapter Axom Sahitya Xabha (AXX), Deborah Sapkota, journalists, Dhiren Mahalia, Diganta Kumar Sarma, Shajid Khan among others.

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