The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre, Guwahati, in collaboration with Gauhati University, will today hold the Professor Maheswar Neog Memorial Lecture and Exhibition at Phanidhar Dutta Hall, Gauhati University. The event aims to celebrate the life and scholarly contributions of the late Prof. Maheswar Neog (1918-1995), a towering figure in Assam’s literary, historiographical, and cultural circles.
The function will begin at 11:00 AM, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Director & Head of the Kala Nidhi Division and Dean (Administration) of IGNCA. The introduction will be presented by Dr. Sapam Ranabir Singh, Regional Director, IGNCA Regional Centre, Guwahati. Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, will be the Chief Guest. The keynote speaker is Prof. Navamalati Neog Chakraborty, a writer, translator, critic, and visiting professor at the University of Calcutta.
The theme of the lecture is “Art, Culture, Literature and Historiography: The Face of Tradition in Assam.” Alongside the lecture, there will be an exhibition titled “Through the Lens: The Life and Works of Prof. Maheswar Neog”, which will showcase his personal library, manuscripts, publications, and contributions to Assam’s cultural heritage.
Prof. Maheswar Neog left an indelible mark in academia and culture. He served at Gauhati University in several key positions, including as the Jawaharlal Nehru Professor of Assamese. He also held the position of Srimanta Sankaradeva Professor at Patiala University. Notably, Prof. Neog played an instrumental role in having Sattriya dance recognized as one of India’s classical dance forms. His major works include Sankaradeva and his Predecessors, Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Assam, Rhythm in the Vaishnava Music, Religions of the North-East, and more. He was the recipient of prestigious honours such as the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the Governor of Assam’s title of Professor Emeritus, and the Satriya Sankaradeva Award.
The IGNCA Kala Nidhi Division also highlights that in 1992, Prof. Neog’s family donated his personal library—approximately 3,500 volumes of books and 27 sanchipat manuscripts—to its reference library. These treasures remain important resources for scholars studying Assamese literature, histories of faith, traditional arts, and the Vedic-Bhakti movements.
Today’s event will not only commemorate Prof. Neog’s memory but also foster renewed interest in Assam’s tradition, literature, and arts. The lecture and exhibition are expected to draw academics, students, artists, and members of the public interested in culture, heritage, and the history of northeastern India.
With Prof. Navamalati Neog Chakraborty delivering the lecture, attendees will have an opportunity to hear reflections rooted in both scholarship and lived tradition. Her own literary work spans multiple genres, including translations, poetry, critical essays, and creative writings, and is essential in bridging literary heritage across different languages.
This memorial lecture and exhibition carry importance in a time when traditional forms, historical knowledge, and cultural narratives require active preservation. By honoring Prof. Neog’s legacy, institutions aim to sustain cultural values and inspire new generations to engage with Assam’s rich heritage.
