GUWAHATI: The Centenary Celebration of Cottonian, an annual journal published by the student community of Cotton University (formerly Cotton College), reached its culmination with a closing ceremony on the university premises on November 28.
Noted social scientist and Andy Matsui Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Asian University for Women, Bangladesh, Prof. Sanjib Baruah, was the invited speaker for the occasion. The event took place today, and Prof. Baruah delivered a talk titled “The Year of the Apollo Moon Landing in Cotton College: Memories and Reflections.”
Prof. Baruah, who served as the editor of Cottonian during 1968-69, shared anecdotes about the magazine's cover featuring the Apollo Moon Landing and discussed how his editorial column addressed significant global events such as the French students' movement, the American students' movement, and other relevant issues of that time. During the subsequent question and answer session, he engaged with faculty members and students, advocating for education that creates spaces for discussion, deliberation, and the challenging of established narratives.
Vice Chancellor of Cotton University, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Deka, highlighted the historical significance of Cottonian magazine, which began in 1922 and is one of the few magazines in the history of Assam to complete 100 years. He described the magazine as a catalyst for intellectual discourse, a canvas for artistic expression, and a mirror reflecting societal changes.
The programme, organised by the university in collaboration with the Cotton University Students’ Union (CUSU), was attended by former Editors of Cottonian, alumni, officials, faculty members, and students.
