Asam Sahitya Sabha

Introduction

Asam Sahitya Sabha is the most important literary organisation of Assam. Its main work is to protect, promote, and develop the Assamese language and literature.

It is not just an organisation for writers and scholars; it represents the voice and identity of the Assamese people. Over the years, it has played a key role in shaping Assam’s cultural and linguistic consciousness.

Meaning of the Name

The name Asam Sahitya Sabha can be understood easily:

• • • Asam means Assam

    • Sahitya means literature

    • Sabha means an assembly or group

So, Asam Sahitya Sabha means an organisation formed to work for Assamese literature.

Origin and Establishment of Asam Sahitya Sabha

• • Asam Sahitya Sabha was founded in 1917.

  • Its first annual meeting was held at Sivasagar.

  • It was formed during British rule, a time when Assamese language was not given much importance.

The organisation was created to bring together writers, thinkers, and language lovers so that Assamese language and literature could be protected and strengthened.

Historical Background of Asam Sahitya Sabha

During the early British period:

• • • Assamese language was removed from schools.

    • Bengali was used in administration and education.

This created fear that Assamese language and identity might disappear. In response, educated Assamese people came together and formed Asam Sahitya Sabha to save their language and culture. Thus, the Sabha became a symbol of linguistic self-respect and cultural awakening.

Objectives of Asam Sahitya Sabha

The main aims of Asam Sahitya Sabha are:

• To promote and develop Assamese language

• To encourage writing in:

  • Poetry

  • Prose

  • Drama

  • Essays

• To preserve Assam’s literary and cultural heritage

• To inspire young writers and scholars

• To protect the use of Assamese in education, administration, and public life

Activities and Functions of Asam Sahitya Sabha

Literary Activities

• • Organises annual conferences where writers and scholars meet

  • Publishes books, journals, and research papers

  • Encourages translation of important works into Assamese

Cultural Activities

• • Works to protect:

    • Folk literature

    • Oral traditions

    • Indigenous stories and songs

  • Promotes awareness of Assamese culture among people

Language Protection

• • Raises voice whenever Assamese language faces threats

  • Plays an important role in language-related movements

  • Supports policies that strengthen the position of Assamese language

Organisational Structure of Asam Sahitya Sabha

Asam Sahitya Sabha has a well-organised structure:

• • President

    • A respected writer or scholar

    • Leads the organisation

  • General Secretary

    • Manages daily activities

  • Executive Committee

    • Takes important decisions

  • District and local branches

    • Help spread its work across Assam and outside the state

Annual Session (Adhiveshan) of Asam Sahitya Sabha

• • Held once every year at different places in Assam

  • Major activities include:

    • Literary discussions

    • Cultural programmes

    • Debates on language and society

These sessions act as a meeting ground for writers, intellectuals, and common people.

Contribution of Asam Sahitya Sabhato Assamese Language

Asam Sahitya Sabha has:

• • Helped standardise Assamese:

    • Grammar

    • Vocabulary

    • Writing style

  • Encouraged modern Assamese literature

  • Played a role in making Assamese a medium of education

  • Strengthened the use of Assamese in public life

Role in Assamese Identity and Nationalism

The Sabha helped Assamese people:

• • • Become proud of their language

    • Develop a shared cultural identity

    • Unite beyond caste, region, and class

Though it is a literary body, its influence extended to social and national movements, including the freedom struggle and later language movements.

Relationship with Society

Asam Sahitya Sabha is not limited to elite scholars. It:

• • Connects with students, teachers, and common readers

  • Reflects social issues through literature

  • Acts as a bridge between literature and everyday life

Contemporary Relevance

Even today, Asam Sahitya Sabha remains important:

• • It works to protect Assamese language in the age of globalization

  • Encourages digital and modern forms of literature

  • Addresses challenges like:

    • Decline in reading habits

    • Growing influence of other languages

Challenges Faced

Some challenges faced by the Sabha include:

• • Attracting younger generations to literature

  • Preserving language purity

  • Adapting to digital media

  • Balancing tradition with modern needs