Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the inaugural volume of the ‘Political History of Assam,’ on Thursday edited by renowned historian Rajen Saikia. The release ceremony took place at Lok Seva Bhawan in Guwahati.
This volume delves into the political history of Assam during the post-independence era, spanning from 1947 to 1971.
During the event, Chief Minister Sarma remarked that the first segment of the book meticulously captures the political developments in Assam from the early years of independence. He commended the efforts put into presenting significant issues from the initial 24-25 years of post-independence Assam. Sarma expressed optimism that the book would provide readers with insights into the political events that have molded the socio-economic landscape of Assam.
Highlighting the pivotal role played by former Chief Minister Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi in establishing institutions like Gauhati University for the state’s overall development, Sarma noted that the book also sheds light on events from ancient Kamrup to the freedom movement.
The Chief Minister underscored the book’s potential to benefit readers, especially those from other states unfamiliar with Assam’s history. He expressed gratitude to all contributors who played a role in the successful publication of the book.
Emphasizing Assam’s rich historical tradition, Sarma mentioned figures like Dr. Sujya Kr. Bhuyan, Hiteswar Barbaruah, Kanaklal Baruah, and Padmanath Gohainbarua, crediting them for presenting history in a new light.
Sarma stressed the importance of writing history based on factual evidence and urged historians to avoid projecting present perspectives onto historical events. He drew attention to the historical figure Kamrup King Prithu, who, despite defeating Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji and resisting him in Assam, hasn’t received adequate recognition compared to the mention of Khalji by Indian historians.
The Chief Minister revealed that the State Government is contemplating the publication of the second and third parts of the ‘Political History of Assam,’ covering the periods 1972-2001 and 2002-2020.
Notable figures such as Rajya Sabha MP and Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Pabitra Margherita, Advisor to the Education Department Professor Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta, DGP G.P. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Additional Chief Secretary Home and Political Avinash Purushottam Das Joshi, Editor Dr. Rajen Saikia, Vice-Chairman of Publication Board Sumanta Chaliha, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
With inputs from ANI.