In recognition to the scholastic role of Dr. Banikanta Kakati and his immense contribution to the language in terms of literature, linguistic and cultural anthropology of Assam, Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi unveiled a bronze bust of Dr. Banikanta Kakati at the premises of the Arts Building at Gauhati University today.
Paying rich tributes to the literary genius Prof. Mukhi said that he felt happy to be associated with unveiling the bust of Dr. Banikanta Kakati and that too on his maiden visit to this historic university after taking over the charge of the Governor of Assam. He also said, “I have come to learn that 15th of November happens to be the birth as well as the death anniversaries of this great personality. So, I offer my heartfelt tribute to Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati who contributed immensely to Gauhati University to reach this present status”.
The Governor said that, “Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati formed an edifice on which the entire intellectual society in the State revolves. In this context, today is a memorable day for Gauhati University. We are paying tribute not only to Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati but also reminding ourselves about what we are doing and what we need to do to carry forward the rich legacy that this pioneer of Assamese language and literature left behind”.
Prof Mukhi also said that Gauhati University being a front line seat of higher education in the state has to play a great role towards uplift of higher education in the State. He also said that the university again has to play a proactive role towards development of economy of the state keeping in view that Assam is located strategically in a very important position- with geographical, political and cultural linkages to the countries of Southeast Asia.
The Governor further maintained that Gauhati University must sustain its progressive curve and must play a great role towards all round development of the State. “Being the fifth among the state universities is good but it will be highly appreciated if we can put our hands together and make concerted efforts to place it among the first ten in India,” the Governor added.
Prof. Mukhi also pointed that Northeast India is a biodiversity hotspot and a treasure trove of conventional and non-conventional energy sources which can be harnessed economically for the future growth of the country. The higher educational institutions in the region more particularly Gauhati University must take the responsibility in taking lead in research and development and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Governor Mukhi also said that the credibility of the institution depends largely on the contributions made by the teachers, researchers and students and he urged upon the university fraternity to create an intellectually imbued society and a large pool of human resources and by doing this the university can pay its fitting tributes to the greats like Dr. Banikanta Kakati.
Vice Chancellor of the University Dr.Mridul Hazarika, Registrar Dr.Suresh Kumar Nath, Senior Faculty member of English Dept Prof. Ranjit Dev Goswami, Member of Executive Council of Gauhati University Jayshree Goswami Mahanta Goswami and Grandson of Dr. Banikanta Kakati Dhiraj Kakati also spoke on the occasion
