On the occasion of the Bhaxar Oja Hemchandra Barua Memorial Day, which was observed across the State, a bronze statue of the eminent Assamese lexicographer, writer and social reformer was unveiled in the premises of Gauhati University on Tuesday.
Hemchandra Barua was the compiler of the first exhaustive Assamese dictionary, Hemkosh. It was the second dictionary of the Assamese language.
On the occasion of Hemchandra Barua Memorial Day, the Ellora Vigyan Mancha was conferred with the Hemkoshpran Debananda Baruah Samaj Setana Bota at the award distribution and statue inauguration programme held at Gauhati University (GU) campus in Guwahati.
The programme at GU was also attended by Jnanpith laureate, President of Sahitya Akademi Chandrasekhar Kambar, former Asom Sahitya Sabha President Dr Dhruba Jyoti Bora and the proprietor of Pratidin Group of Publications, Jayanta Baruah, Head of the department, Folklore Research, GU, Dr Anil Boro and others.
Along with other parts of the State, Hemchandra Barua Memorial Day was also observed by the Hojai District Asom Sahitya Sabha at the Satyarthi Bezbaruah Bhawan in Hojai’s New Market on Tuesday.
Hemchandra Barua Memorial Day is observed to mark the death anniversary of eminent Assamese lexicographer Hemchandra Barua on May 1 every year.
Hojai District Asom Sahitya Sabha President Dr Sardananda Dev Goswami hoisted the Sabha’s flag. He also presided over the programme at Hojai.
An art competition and a quiz competition were also organised among the school children.
Several academicians were also present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Hojai District Asom Sahitya Sabha Secretary Anup Kumar Barthakur said, “We are trying to convey the message of the maestro’s works among the youth. Hemchandra Barua devoted his life for the betterment of Assamese language for which we feel proud now.”