Guwahati, February 27: Dr. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta, a former professor at Tezpur University and esteemed author and researcher, lauded the late Harinarayan Dutta Barua as a symbol of hard work, dedicated research, and a path-breaking entrepreneur during the 4th Hari Narayan Dutta Baruah Memorial Lecture held at the Harinarayan Dutta Barua Central Library Hall of Assam Down Town University in Guwahati today.
In his comprehensive address, Dr. Mahanta highlighted Dutta Barua’s profound impact on school-level education, Vaishnabite literature, and the book-publishing industry, asserting that his contributions elevated the intellectual and social life of Assam to unprecedented heights. The lecture, titled ‘The Influence of Religious Books on the Social Life of Assam and the Contribution of Hari Narayan Dutta Barua,’ shed light on the late entrepreneur’s remarkable efforts in the collection, editing, and publication of Vaishnavait literature in the region. Dr. Mahanta also commended Dutta Barua’s role as one of the leading textbook authors in Assam.
The event commenced with the recitation of Ghosha by renowned singer Sharat Rag, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting by dignitaries including Dr. Mahanta, President of Assam Sahitya Sabha Dr. Suryakant Hazarika, Dr. Paramananda Majumdar, Vishwa Dutta, Jyotindra Narayan Dutta Barua, the youngest son of Harinarayan Dutta Barua, and others.
The main event featured a Borgeet performance by university students under the guidance of renowned artist Anant Oja. Chief Guest Dr. Suryakanta Hazarika elaborated on Dutta Barua’s significant contributions to the printing and publishing industry of Assam, citing the publication of ‘Chitrabhagavat,’ the first reproduction of manuscript paintings in the region.
Following the enlightening speeches, Dr. Suryakanta Hazarika, on behalf of the SH Educational Foundation, and Dr. Eva Hazarika generously donated valuable books, including an illustrated Kirtan Ghosha, to the library. The Chancellor of the University, Dr. Narendra Nath Dutta, received the donation.
The event, anchored by Dr. Rubi Goswami, was attended by distinguished writers such as Dr. Paramananda Majumder, Swapnanil Baruah, photographer Samir Chowdhury, and several members of the Harinarayan Dutta Barua family. A Satriya dance performed by university students concluded the program.
In addition to celebrating the life and contributions of Harinarayan Dutta Barua, the event also showcased two research-based documentaries on cultural and anthropological issues produced by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University. The HNDB Central Library, primarily for university students, will also be accessible to external researchers, fostering a platform for intellectual exchange. Various book discussions have already taken place in the library’s adjoining meeting room, including sessions with popular writer Durjay Dutta interacting with students.
Last year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the new library building, now recognized as the largest institution bearing the name of Harinarayan Dutta Barua