Gauhati University, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), hosted the Professor Maheswar Neog Memorial Lecture & Exhibition at the Phanidhar Dutta Hall yesterday, drawing a good attendance of students, scholars, and admirers of Assamese culture.
The event was organised to celebrate the legacy of Prof. Maheswar Neog, the eminent historian, scholar, and cultural icon of Assam. It featured both a lecture and an exhibition, highlighting his wide-ranging contributions to literature, history, folklore, and the study of Assamese traditions.
Prof. Navamalati Neog Chakraborty, the Chief Guest and keynote speaker, delivered a lecture on the theme “Art, Culture, Literature and Historiography: The Face of Tradition in Assam.” She underscored Prof. Neog’s role as a pioneer who combined rigorous academic research with deep respect for India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
The exhibition, titled “Through the Lens: The Life and Works of Prof. Maheswar Neog,” showcased rare photographs, manuscripts, and documents that traced the scholar’s journey as a chronicler of Assam’s cultural history. The display offered younger generations a glimpse into the vast intellectual legacy left behind by one of the state’s most respected academicians.
University officials noted that the memorial lecture series is designed not only to honour Prof. Neog’s memory but also to encourage new research and discussion on the cultural identity of Assam. The event also reinforced the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while engaging with contemporary academic methods.
Speakers at the programme highlighted Prof. Neog’s enduring relevance in the modern context. His scholarship, they said, continues to guide efforts to bridge the gap between folklore and formal historiography, while inspiring young researchers to document oral traditions and folk practices before they vanish.
The gathering witnessed active participation from academics, cultural activists, and students. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that such events help keep alive the intellectual spirit of Assam’s leading thinkers.
The organisers emphasised that the annual memorial lecture and exhibition will remain a regular feature, ensuring that Prof. Neog’s work continues to inspire future generations of scholars and cultural enthusiasts.
