At a two-day workshop at Gauhati University, the Governor stressed systematic documentation, conservation and research to safeguard centuries-old Sanchipat and indigenous manuscripts for future generations
Guwahati: Referring to Assam’s manuscripts as a living repository of knowledge and culture, Governor of Assam and Chancellor of Gauhati University, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, on Friday, underscored the urgent need for their systematic preservation and scholarly study.
Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day workshop titled ‘Manuscripts of Assam’ organised on January 30, under the Governor of Assam ‘Bhasha Protsahan Yojana 2025’ in collaboration with Gauhati University, Acharya said the state’s manuscript traditions represent centuries of intellectual thought, language and civilisational memory.
“These manuscripts are not relics meant only for archives,” the Governor observed, adding that preserving and reconnecting them with contemporary society is a collective responsibility of academic institutions, researchers and the wider community.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta highlighted Gauhati University’s longstanding role in protecting Assam’s linguistic and cultural legacy. Referring to the tradition of Sanchipat and other indigenous manuscripts, he reaffirmed the university’s commitment to making these historical resources accessible and relevant to younger generations.
The inaugural session featured a keynote address by Prof. Malinee Goswami, former Vice-Chancellor of Assam Women’s University, who spoke on the historical and scholarly significance of Assamese manuscripts. Dr. Sangeeta Gogoi, Director (I/C), Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, and Dhanjit Talukdar of the Krishna Kanta Handiqui Library shared insights on conservation techniques and documentation practices.
The programme commenced with an opening address by Shri S. S. Meenakshi Sundaram, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor. Several senior academicians, officials and students attended. The workshop will continue over two days with thematic sessions dedicated to research, conservation and wider dissemination, aiming to ensure that Assam’s manuscript heritage endures as a vital link between the past and future.
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