Mayur Bora Delivers First Abani Borthakur Memorial Lecture in Nazira

NAZIRA, October 31, 2026 — The first annual Abani Borthakur Memorial Lecture was held in Nazira on Saturday in memory of eminent thinker, educationist, veteran communist leader and founding Principal of Nazira College, Abani Borthakur.

Organised by the Abani Borthakur Memorial Trust, the programme commenced at noon at the auditorium of MC Club, Nazira. Eminent thinker, writer and critic Mayur Bora delivered the memorial lecture on the theme, “Communal Thinking and Our Future.”

In his address, Bora described Abani Borthakur as an exceptional personality who preferred to identify himself as a worker rather than a communist leader. Deeply associated with the Communist movement and the Communist Party of India (CPI), Borthakur devoted his life to working for the deprived, marginalised and oppressed sections of society. His contributions included establishing Nazira College and strengthening the communist movement across Assam.

Recalling Borthakur's legacy, Bora said Assam had lost a dedicated social worker and visionary thinker two years ago. He congratulated the organisers for instituting the annual memorial lecture and paid tribute to the departed leader.

Speaking on the theme, Bora stressed the importance of addressing communal thinking in contemporary society. Referring to incidents involving different religious communities, interfaith marriages and linguistic differences, he said educated and conscious citizens must remain committed to the Indian Constitution and Assam's pluralistic identity.

Highlighting the ideals of Assam's historical and cultural icons, including Chaolung Sukapha, Srimanta Sankardeva, Madhavdeva, Naranarayan and Chilarai, Bora said the present generation must work towards building the inclusive Assam envisioned by these personalities rather than create obstacles to that vision.

He also expressed concern over the growing tendency among influential political and other forces to exploit communal sentiments to advance their interests, warning that such developments posed serious challenges to social harmony and the future of Assam.

Dr Juri Baruah Receives First Abani Borthakur Memorial Award

A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of the first Abani Borthakur Memorial Award for 2026 to Dr Juri Baruah, a native of Nazira, noted writer and short-story writer, and Assistant Professor at DCB Girls' College, Jorhat.

The Abani Borthakur Memorial Trust has instituted the annual award to recognise a promising young personality from Nazira for outstanding contributions to literature, culture, sports or education. Dr Baruah was selected as the first recipient in recognition of her contributions.

Several distinguished personalities attended the programme, including Mayur Bora, Amiya Borthakur, Prashanta Sharma, Dr Dishank Gogoi and Shantanu Borthakur, son of Abani Borthakur and an advocate at the Gauhati High Court.

Members of the convening committee, including retired Principal Syed Mobidul Islam, Joga Gogoi, Dilip Phukan, Jiten Phukan, Ajit Khataniar, Rajib Bora, Gajendra Sharma, Sujata Borthakur, Renu Goala, Prashanta Borthakur, Krishnakanta Gogoi, Ramen Baruah, Kanak Gogoi and Ranajit Phukan, were also present.

The organisers expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the inaugural programme. The vote of thanks was offered by Sujata Borthakur, daughter of Abani Borthakur and a college teacher.