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Coffee Tabler, Kamrup: Mirror of Assam's Past & Present launched

By Syed Miraz Ahmed |

Writers, dramatists, administrators, journalists, political leaders and several of the city’s prominent citizens gathered today for the media launch of a Coffee Table book titled, ‘Kamrup: Mirror of Assam’s Past & Present’ at an informal function in the outskirts of the city aboard Alfresco Grand on the River Brahmaputra.

Edited by journalist Wasbir Hussain and Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Ashutosh Agnihotri the book has been published under the banner of Guwahati based publishing house- Wordweaves India with support from India Oil Corporation. The book was unveiled by noted playwright, dramatist, writer and Padma Shri recepient Arun Sarma, President North East Writers' Forum Mitra Phukan and actor Kapil Bora.

Some of the writers who contributed to the chapters of Kamrup are Kumudeswar Hazarika, Dhruba Hazarika, Gautam Prasad Baroowah, Seema Hussain, Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Dr. Paromita Das, Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury, Subodh Malla Barua and Swapnil Bharali.

Book readings aside, accomplished classical vocalist, ethno-musicologist and writer Mitra Phukan regaled the select gathering with a live rendition of two pieces of Kamrupi Loka Geet.

From the most ancient Pragjyotishpura to Kamrupa and then to Assam- the civilization that flourished in the region, has been a most fascinating one for any keen observer of history. However, the present book, Kamrup: Mirror of Assam’s Past and Present, has confined itself to the geographical boundaries of undivided Kamrup district of Assam with a focus on the metropolitan transformation of Guwahati, the capital and nerve centre of Assam.

As the gateway to the Northeastern region of India and beyond, the city of Guwahati is increasingly attracting the attention of global spectators in a liberalized economic atmosphere. The book, which virtually deals with subjects ranging from history, music, educational evolution to social cohesion through peaceful co-habitation of different communities; sports, art and culture as nurtured by the clubs; the venerated holy places and Assam unique silk, is a veritable treasure trove.

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