Kohima, January 23 (MExN): Under the initiative of the Assamese Magazine ‘Patabhumi’ and in association of Kohima Sahitya Sabha (KSS), a Naga-Assamese Literary Meet was held in Kohima to discuss on bringing out a special issue of ‘Patabhumi’ covering the history, tradition and culture of the people of Nagaland.
The literary meet was held under the chairmanship of Chandan Changmai, President, KSS on January 21, stated a press release received here. It was attended by Vezuho Keyhho, Principal, Capital College of Higher Education, editor and scholar Dr Vizonovo Elizabeth, archaeologist Professor Tiatoshi Jamir, Nagaland University, editor of Patabhumi, Robin Bhuyan, members of KSS and delegates from Assam.
In the literary meet, convened by Dr HN Dutta, Vice Chancellor, TGOUN, who would also appear as the guest editor of the special issue of ‘Patabhumi’ covering Nagaland, lighted the lamp before the photo of Padmanath Gohain Barua (1871-1946).
Dr Dutta spoke about the educator Padmanath Gohain Barua and how as the Head Master of Kohima English School, Barua “contributed to the promotion of education among the various sections of Naga, Assamese, Bengali, Manipuri, Nepali students by writing books by himself for the students.” Barua had established KSS at Kohima in the year 1895, by collecting Rs 1500 for the construction of the building of the Sabha, he added.
Dr Dutta further shared about the book ‘Nagamese Katha Laga Niyam-A primary Grammar on Nagamese,’ written by Bhimkanta Barua and published by Asom Sahitya Sabha. He discussed how the processes of “Naga-Assamese cultural relations have been coming down through Dr Bhupen Hazarika, and others even at personal level.” ‘Patabhumi’ magazine would continue to uphold the process of good will between the Nagas and the Assamese existed since early historical times, he concluded.
