Literary Critic Dr. Ananda Bormudoi Honored and Felicitated
M. Hashim Ali,Dibrugarh,Rongili Barta- A prominent literary critic of Assam, retired professor and former head of the English Department at Dibrugarh University, Dr. Ananda Bormudoi, was honored with the unveiling of a felicitation book titled “Samalochana Kala Aru Sadhana” on August 24th. The book was unveiled by eminent writer and creator of the “Mitavakh Shrasta”, Ex president of Assam Sahitya sabha Dr. Nagen Saikia. Additionally, five books translated by Dr.Ananda Bormudoi from Assamese to English were also released. The renowned poet,writer Dr. Karabi Deka Hazarika unveiled two poetry collections: “The Heavenly Sky” by Ex professor of Dibrugarh University Dr. Farida Ahmed and “Copper-Colored Time” by poet Ms Sharifa Khatun Choudhury. Speaking at the unveiling, Dr.karabi Deka Hazarika mentioned that translating poetry into another language is an extremely challenging task, because one must immerse oneself in the poet’s emotions to accurately convey the essence. Subsequently, Poet Dr. Pranoy Phukan unveiled the poetry collection “An Abandoned Horse Cart” by Satyajit Gogoi. Dr. Mridul Bordoloi, another critic and retired professor of Dibrugarh University, unveiled Dr. Kalyan Bhuyan’s “The Sky Over the Wind” and Prakalpa Ranjan Bhagawati’s “The Owl Sky”. The event, held at Hotel Garden Treat in Dibrugarh, also included a public felicitation of Dr. A Bormudoi. The welcome speech was delivered by poet Dr. Pranoy Phukan on behalf of the organizers. In his opening remarks, Dibrugarh University’s Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jiten Hazarika reflected on Dr. Bormudoi’s illustrious career and noted that he is a distinguished literary critic whose analytical approach is impartial and context- driven, grounded in Western theoretical concepts. His ideas are presented in a simple and accessible manner, making his critiques understandable to all. Dr. Bormudoi has redefined the history of modern Assamese literature, offering new insights into societal life that are essential for understanding literary periods.Dr. Bormudoi is recognized as an exemplary literary critic and a humble individual. However, Dr.Jiten Hazarika expressed concern that Dibrugarh University has not adequately recognized Dr. Bormudoi’s contributions, a sentiment echoed by retired Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kandarpa Kumar Deka. During the event, hosted by Akashvani Dibrugarh announcer, Gyanmalini Radio Executive Ms Swapnali Bhuyan, a bilingual felicitation book edited by Kalyan Bhuyan and Prakalpa Ranjan Bhagawati was unveiled by former president of the Asom Sahitya Sabha and Mitavakh Shrashta, Dr. Nagen Saikia. He remarked that Dr. Bormudoi has been a lifelong student and teacher of both Assamese and English, and despite being a renowned literary critic, he has never exhibited arrogance. Hailing from a small, obscure village in Gohpur, Dr. Bormudoi’s rise to become a professor and esteemed critic at Dibrugarh University is truly remarkable. Dr. N Saikia expressed his hope that Dr. Bormudoi’s passion for knowledge would remain alive and that his work would continue to enrich the nation. In his address, Dr. Bormudoi compared critics to cricket umpires, quoting George Bernard Shaw, and remarked that the honor bestowed upon him is historic as examples of critics being honored are extremely rare worldwide. He shared amusing experiences he had while critiquing various authors and poets, which delighted the audience. He also expressed his gratitude to all those involved in organizing the felicitation.During the event, along with the unveiling of five books, several notable individuals extended their congratulations to Dr. Bormudoi. These included Jyoti Sangeet performed by Bipul Phukan, a song by Jayanta Hazarika by Dulen Dutta, and English poetry readings by teacher Satyashikha Duwara and Nayanjyoti Hazarika. The event was attended by literary translators, writers like Devi Prasad Bagrodia and Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, retired Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University Dr. K K Deka, writer Dr. Bharati Dutta, poets Dr. Intikabur Rahman, principal Dr. Shashikanta Saikia, Dr Pallavi Buzorbaruwa, Dr Prititi Barman, Dr.Jiten Bhuyan, and numerous other literati from the city and the state.