Writers’ forum recalls Geetiswami

GUWAHATI, Nov 27: The 114th birthday of Geetiswami Gokulananda, an alternative media mogul, was observed with a day-long programme, including an impressive cultural programme that continued till late last night, by the Bishnupriya Manipuri Writers’ Forum (BMWF) at Radhamadhab Sebashram, Maligaon, Guwahati. The programme was presided over by Radhamadhab Sebashram president Shyamakanta Sinha (Paran).

Dr Prabhat Kumar Sinha stole the show light by presenting a comparative study on various aspects of life and contribution of Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha and Geetiswami Gokulananda conducted by himself. Dr Sinha has already submitted a thesis to the University Grant Commission (UGC) on this very topic after completion of his research work.

Litterateur Manashi Sinha, while giving a detailed account on Geetiswami Gokulananda, highlighted the efforts made by the alternative media mogul and bard to uplift the condition of women. A woman activist herself, she made a fervent appeal to the women folk of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community to be conscious enough so as to get their rights at par with the male members of the community. According to her, women in the society can put an end to discrimination against them only when the fairer sex is fully aware of their rights and duties.

Among other speakers, while Advocate Biswa Prasad Sinha and youth leader Shankha Sinha threw much light on the life and contribution of Geetiswami, the BMWF president gave a detailed account on the activities of the Forum. He also elaborated various literary and social activities of the bard.

As many as 31 senior citizens of Guwahati were felicitated in the function. It was followed by a cultural nite in which guest artistes Suchitra Sinha and Shyam Kumar Sinha from Silchar performed much to the applause from the audience. Noted artistes of Guwahati Bina Sinha, Guru Bibhul Kanti Sinha (dance), guitarist Chandrika Rajkumari, budding dancer Saine Sinha, Rumi Sinha, Doll Sinha and others also presented much to the satisfaction of the capacity crowd. THE SENTINEL