Guwahati: Gauhati University’s Department of English organised the fifth Homen Borgohain Memorial Lecture on Thursday, October 29, with a keynote address on the Brahmaputra Valley’s environment, society and culture by geographer Abani Kumar Bhagabati.
Journalist, author and Nagaland University Chancellor Samudra Gupta Kashyap received the fifth Homen Borgohain Memorial Award at the event.
Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta inaugurated the programme as the chief guest, while Kashyap attended as the guest of honour.
The programme began with an introductory address by Lalan Kishore Singh, head of the Department of English, who spoke about Homen Borgohain’s life and contributions. The event also featured a ceremonial lamp-lighting.
Recalling his interactions with Borgohain, Mahanta said the writer had encouraged several people, including Mahanta, to contribute articles to newspapers. He spoke about Borgohain’s aspirations to become a teacher, journalist and prose writer, as well as his commitment to Assamese prose literature.
Mahanta also discussed Borgohain’s concerns about the declining quality of Assamese prose in contemporary literature.
Kashyap spoke about Borgohain’s commitment to journalistic integrity and his insistence on distinguishing facts from opinions. He also raised concerns about the quality of journalism and declining public trust in the media.
He said the media serves as a watchdog for society and that journalists must accurately report social realities.
In his keynote lecture, Bhagabati discussed the geography, ecology and cultural significance of the Brahmaputra Valley. He also spoke about his early difficulties with English and how he developed his own way of expressing himself through a combination of regional Assamese and English.
“If there can be Indian English, there can be Kamrupiya English as well,” Bhagabati said, discussing the importance of linguistic identity and confidence.
Referring to places such as the Charikoria River and Mohghuli Chapori, Bhagabati discussed the role of the Brahmaputra and its surrounding landscapes in Borgohain’s writings.
He also spoke about the decline in aquatic life, including Gangetic river dolphins and fish that were once abundant in the river.
Bhagabati described Gauhati University’s campus as a small representation of the Brahmaputra Valley’s ecological diversity, citing its birdlife and other species.
He also discussed the challenges communities face in living alongside natural forces, citing Majuli and Hatiya islands. He spoke about traditional housing practices among indigenous communities in Assam, including the Bodo, Karbi and Mising, which have evolved to withstand natural calamities and suit local conditions.
Referring to recurring floods in Assam, Bhagabati called for greater attention to the region’s riverine ecology. The lecture also brought attention to issues such as riverbank erosion, elephant deaths and the loss of biodiversity.
The programme concluded with remarks by Pradipta Borgohain, son of Homen Borgohain. He spoke about his parents’ English education and his father’s extensive reading habits, while expressing concern over the declining culture of reading and the need to preserve literary and intellectual traditions.