Assamese students’ body celebrates 50 years with youth lecture series
SHILLONG, July 12: The 24th edition of the ‘Swadesh Swabhiman’ youth lecture series was held at the Deba Kumar Das Memorial Hall on Saturday, marking the first time the prestigious event has been hosted in the city. The programme was organised by the Shillong Socio-Cultural Assamese Students’ Association (SSASA) in collaboration with the Asam Kotha Group, Guwahati, as part of SSASA’s golden jubilee celebrations. Dr. Kuladhar Saikia, mentor of the Asam Kotha Group, introduced the vision of the series, which aims to provide a platform for intellectuals, students, and scholars to engage in discussions on Assam’s history, culture, and contemporary social issues. SSASA Chief Advisor Romoni Bhattacharya and former civil servant Mukul Chandra Gogoi also addressed the gathering. The event featured a series of presentations by young researchers. Seema Kalita (NEHU) examined the economic significance of cross-border trade, while Mrinmoy Bhagawati and Nabanita Bora (NEIAH) reflected on the Ambubachi tradition and the legacy of Srimanta Sankardev. Rikee Talukdar (NEHU) highlighted Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s creative connection with Shillong, and Gaurav Kumar Bhattacharya (NEHU) discussed digital financial literacy among women. Other speakers included Rajkumar Bordoloi, who spoke on the Assamese-Sanskrit linguistic relationship; Sudarshan Kawshik Sharma, who explored Guwahati-Shillong cultural ties, and Dorathi Borah and Tridib Bhagabati, who addressed changing cultural values and the arts.
KSU mourns demise of CEC leader
SHILLONG, July 12: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Friday observed a minute of silence and flew its flags at half-mast across all units in the region to honour the memory of its late assistant organising secretary, Melajied Khongbuh. The union held prayers for the departed leader and expressed condolences to his family and relatives. In a statement, the KSU, while describing Khongbuh’s untimely demise as an irreparable loss, noted that he passed away while actively serving the community. The KSU also highlighted Khongbuh’s dedication to the Khasi cause and stated that his service would be remembered in the history of the union. The KSU also expressed gratitude to his parents for supporting his commitment to social service despite the personal sacrifices involved. The union added that Khongbuh’s spirit will continue to guide the organisation and the community in their collective efforts.
Group marks 2nd anniv in Shillong
SHILLONG, July 11: The Shillong Sakha of the Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samity celebrated its second anniversary on Saturday at Assam House, reiterating its mission to promote women’s literature and cultural exchange in Meghalaya. The event was attended by Puspa Gogoi, president of the Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samity, alongside writers Nilima Bora, Jyuti Baruah and Pranita Sarma. During the programme, the speakers reflected on the influence of women’s voices in literature and the importance of collective efforts in preserving cultural traditions. Distinguished guests from Shillong’s academic and literary circles, including author Dr. Esther Syiem, Dr. Jyotirmoy Prodhani from the Department of English, NEHU, and BR Lyngdoh, Associate Professor at UCC, also participated. They highlighted the role of literature as a medium to bridge different communities and cultures. The programme also featured literary readings and discussions designed to bring together diverse perspectives.
