'Mamoni Baideu introduced Assam to modern Indian literature'

'Indira Goswami,popularly known as Mamoni Baideu had been the only person to introduce Assam to modern Indian literature. Her thought and unmatched style of writing won hearts of thousands including a few great scholars of India. She could have won more international laurels had she composed her books in languages other than Assamese.' So remarked noted writer Thaneswar Malakar, also serving as Deputy Commissioner of Udalguri district at a crowded homage paying ceremony at Kalaigaon on December 8 .The ceremony was organized at Kalaigaon Circle Office premise by by Kalaigaon Nagarik Manch in association with other 18 organizations including AASU,ABSU,AJYCP and Kendukalai Sahitya Samaj etc. Speaking as the chief guest guest,Malakar highlighted a few lesser known aspects of the great lady. Paying tearful tribute to Mamoni Baideu he said that she had been the first person to break ice between ULFA and government to pave the way for dialogue. Baideu could very much understand social restrictions imposed upon Indian woman particularly widows. Although she had visited several countries of the world,she liked her own village Amranga Satra most. So remarked Malakar.

Lighting of holy lamp and offering floral tribute to Baideu by social workers Kami Ram Saharia,Mahendra Saikia and Dhireswar Bodo Narzy respectively marked the beginning of the days programme at 10 AM followed by community prayer,Ayati Naam and 'Araj' (traditional Bodo prayer performed during shradhha ceremony).Offering hearty tribute to Baideu,Sahitya Academy Award winner,Nabin Malla Bodo,remarked that Bodo people would gratefully remember her contribution to Bodo literature. Reciting two poems namely- 'Mor Ranga Nadi' and ' Prem', prominent writer and columnist Dr.Amarendra Narayan Deb also paid tribute to Baideu. He also mentioned that eminent Indian writer Raghuvir Sahay had requested Mamoni Baideu to compose her books in English which she never complied with. Sukleswar Deka,Principal,Pride Academy Kalaigaon also spoke a few words on the occasion. Child literate Joyeeta Sandilya and Ratan Bora, secretary, Kendukalai Sahitya Samaj recited two short poems written on spot. A few distinguished people namely- Pranjal Das,SDO (civil) Bhergaon; Dinamoni Das,Circle Officer,Kalaigaon revenue Circle;Lt.Sunil of 2 Field Regiment,Red Horns Division; Mouzadar Kamal Prasad Sarma etc attended the homage paying ceremony which was conducted by senior journalist Jayanta Kumar Das while Dandi Kumar Boro,Secretary Kalaigaon Nagarik Manch offered vote of thanks at the end.