Asom Xahitya Xabha for better understanding between the two valleys

Special Correspondent

Silchar: The daylong programme of Silchar branch of Asom Xahitya Xabha began with hoisting of the flag of Xahitya Xabha followed by tributes to the martyrs and then the lighting of auspicious lamp before the portrait of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Rupkonwar of Assamese culture. After the inaugural function, started the open session. Chandramohan Rajbangshi, president, Cachar district Asom Sahitya Sabha, who presided over the meeting delivered the welcome speech. Dr Parmananda Rajbangshi, president Asom Sahitya Sabha, addressing the congregation in the premises of the Silchar Sahitya Sabha here said, “At this juncture, the need of the hour is to maintain better and cordial relation between the two valleys of Barak and Brahmaputra. The prevalence of ill will and ill feeling between people and communities is most undesirable.”

His clarion call was to ensure that the traditional goodwill between the people of Barak and Brahmaputra valley does not get disturbed or distorted. He was for adhering to the democratic and constitutional ideals of the great country in order to resolve the present crisis arising out of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, though he did not directly mention it. But the message that he wanted to convey is not to take recourse to any course of action by the Centre or the state which might disturb the peace and tranquility among the different sections of people.

Dr Parmananda Rajbangshi made most significant observation that under no circumstances, there should be conflict or confrontation on the issue of language. At any cost, linguistic jingoism should be avoided. This is the firm stand of Asom Sahitya Sabha. This is also the view expressed in Kolkata and Agartala Asom Sahitya Sabha. Dr Rajbangshi pointed out centering round the Citizenship Bill, there should never be any kind of clash or conflict between the Assamese and Bengalis. “We have to live together and work for better society based on mutual trust and understanding,” he said.

Dr Rajbangshi reminded it is the hard work and dedication of people working in various fields of life like a ordinary labourer to a peasant on the field as well as all kinds of people devoting themselves to contribute in their own way to make the state stronger and secure and to make it a better place for all to live in harmony. This is our tradition and culture enriched by the glorious heritage and the teachings of Sankardev and the hollow ideals of ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’.

He also took the opportunity to have a few words of appreciation for the people of Barak Valley who have been quite cooperative in making the NRC update process complete, maintaining peace. He expressed his hope and confidence that all sections of people and communities would strive hard to see that the pride and glory of the state remains always shinning. Dr Rajbangshi was all praise for the good relations between the Bengalis and Assamese of Barak Valley and he said Asom Sahitya Sabha would always strive for maintaining the same ethos of relations in Brahmaputra valley also.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Sameer Medhi, president, Silchar Sahitya Sabha, Dr Sourindra Kumar Bhattacharya, president, Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan and Dr Amalendu Bhattacharjee among others. It is also significant to mention here that at the initiative of Cachar Zila Sahitya Sabha and Silchar Sahitya Sabha, as well as Assam University Students’ Unity, a meeting was also organized in the evening in the premises of Assam University with the sole objective of strengthening the bonds of unity and friendship between the two valleys.

Also read: Cachar News