ABILAC and Asom Janakristi Samaj jointly observes the 28th death anniversary of the doyen of folklore in India Professor Praphulladatta Goswami on the 19th of November, 2021 at the premises of ABILAC at Rajaduar. Apart from being an erudite scholar in the field of Folklore, Prof. Goswami, was also played vital roles in the establishment of various academic institutes and centers in the state. He was the Vice chairman of the Governing Council and Chairman of the Executive committee of ABILAC.
This occasion was observed by holding an academic program presided by Dr. Prabin Chandra Das, President, Asom Janakristi Samaj. Prof. Dilip Kumar Kalita, Director, ABILAC, in his welcome speech briefly shed light on the significance of the day.
Prof. Noni Gopal Mahanta, Education Advisor to the Chief Minister of Assam graced this occasion as the chief guest and delivered a lecture focusing on the life and works of Prof. Goswami. He also inaugurated 10th volume of the research journal of ABILAC titled ‘Anandam Journal of Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art and Culture, Assam’ on this occasion.
Prof. Abani Kr. Bhagawati from the department of Geography, Gauhati University delivered the Praphulladatta Goswami Memorial Lecture on the thought-provoking topic ‘The Brahmaputra Valley of Assam: Nature and Tradition.’ In his lecture Prof. Bhagawati deliberated on the nature and contours of the great river Brahmaputra and stressed on the need of clinging to the basics of life in order to leave a more secure and healthy environment to the future generation. He also discussed about how our age old traditions and beliefs has it roots in the nature.
Distinguished anthropologist Prof. A.N.M. Irshad Ali also hailed Prof. Praphulladatta Goswami’s stupendous feat in and contribution to the field of Folklore studies and other allied disciplines. Dr. Paramananda Majumdar, literary critic also in his lecture focused on the contribution of Prof. Goswami on Folk literature. This program was also graced by Mr. Bhaskardatta Goswami, son of Prof. Praphulladatta Goswami. In his speech Mr. Goswami briefly deliberated on his fond memories of his great father.
Dr. Parismita Sarma sang Saraswati Vandana on this occasion.
A troop of disciples led by Atul Bhuyan from Auniati Satra performed Satriya dance on this occasion.
Dr. Karuna Kanta Kakati, Associate professor, ABILAC and General Secretary, Asom Janakristi Samaj delivered the Vote of Thanks.