Reprint of First Assamese Printed Book Released

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday released the reprint of first Assamese printed book “Dharmapustak” in Guwahati.

The book was first published in Srirampur near Kolkata in 1813 by Dr. William Carey and Atmaram Sarma, and a digitalized image copy was obtained by Padmashree Surya Hazarika from the British Library, London.

During a function of the Guwahati Literary Festival and Book Fair-2012 in Guwahati, the Assam CM released the reprint of the 864 pages rare book.

“We are thankful to the British Library for printing it in our favour and it is a valuable moment for the Assamese literary history,” Assam CM said.

Gogoi announced to establish a digital archive for Assamese literary.

Assam Education Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rongbong Terang, President of Asom Sahitya Sabha were presented at the function.

The 12-day long Literary Festival and Book Fair organized by the Asom Prakashan Parishad was started on October 2.

Today, the organizer will present five literary awards to five reknown persons.

Hemanta Kumar Nath

Hemanta Kumar Nath is a correspondent in Assam, India, who reports on local news in Assam, the north east Indian state.