GUWAHATI: Assam Sahitya Sabha (ASS), the apex literary body of the state, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) to together carry out documentation and research work on indigenous languages. The two bodies will also work together on the literature, culture, heritage, diversity and ethnicity of the northeastern states.
The MoU was signed by ASS president, Paramananda Rajbongshi and USTM chancellor, M Hoque. A host of literary and academic personalities, including noted author and former Sahitya Sabha president Dhruba Jyoti Borah, former Gauhati University vice-chancellor Nirmal Kumar Choudhury and former Meghalaya governor RS Mooshahary were present on the occasion.
The MoU states that the Sabha and USTM will jointly conduct workshops and seminars on language, literature and culture. USTM will offer two fellowships for researchers to carry out research on the life of two literary stalwarts of Assam – Maheswar Neog and Syed Abdul Malik. The fellowships may also be extended for further research, later leading to a PhD degree. It has also been agreed that both the organizations will strive to protect indigenous languages of the region.
USTM will create a directorate of language and cultural studies with Sahitya Sabha providing necessary inputs. The two organizations have also decided to hold a North East Writers’ Conclave and adopt villages to promote educational activities.