অসম বিজ্ঞান সমিতিলৈ স্বাগতম
At the outset, I
would like to pay my humble tributes to the founders of “Gauhati Science
Society” way back in 1953, which was renamed as “Assam Science Society” in
1956. I salute those pioneers who spearheaded the popular scientific movement
in Assam (in those days a much larger geographical landmass and wider
ethno-cultural entity with Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland as
part of Assam). Assam Science Society played a crucial role in fostering
scientific teaching & research, disseminating knowledge and promoting
innovation among all stakeholders to become a household name in undivided
Assam.
The Society
publications covered a wide range of contemporary scientific progress, improved
healthcare, agricultural productivity, linking science and technology with
economic growth, environmental sustainability and overall well-being of the
nation. During numerous occasions in learned forums across the country, I felt
proud as an Assamese when national experts and scholars often mentioned about Assam
Science Society as one of the top five in the country along with Kerala Sashtra
Sahitya Parishad, Bangiya Bigyan Parishad, Allahabad Vigyan Parishad and
Marathi Vijnan Parishad. We should be more proud that since its first
publication in 1961, the flagship magazine of the Society “Bijnan Jeuti” has
been published uninterrupted establishing a new benchmark in India. Over 150
publications on a variety of subjects have added to the science literature of
Assam like no other voluntary body has ever achieved in the State.
Today, we are approaching
the threshold of a few historic events; like celebration of the Diamond Jubilee
of Bijnan Jeuti, curtain raiser of the Platinum Jubilee of the Society,
fulfilling the target of 10,000 Life Members, launching need-based projects and
ambitious plans for publishing some books that would capture the glorious past of
the Society. To achieve these goals and emulate upon the existing activities of
the Society, we need to plan and execute every move with complete coordination,
collaboration and cooperation. The journey is going to be very exciting.
I personally feel
very excited to be a part of this journey, while fully being aware that it is
not an easy task to attract young people nowadays to voluntary societies. Also,
lack of enough motivation and worthwhile programs are taking a toll on our
branches. Many such branches need to be fully revamped and rejuvenated. New
projects must be started with an aim to address to the scientific problems and
technology adoption in Assam. Resources will definitely play an important role
in this regard.
Finally I would
like to express my gratitude to all my colleagues inside the Society and
science-enthusiasts of Assam who have reposed their faith on me to lead the
Society for the next two years. I shall try to respect your choice and repay
your trust. But you all must also contribute your level best to make Assam
Science Society a formidable force in terms of S&T communication, policy
framing and implementation, and overall regain its place as the premier
institution in the entire state of Assam.
