Kalam stresses importance of nurturing literature

Updated on: Monday, October 24, 2011

Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today stressed the importance of books and nurturing of literature in the greater interest of acquiring knowledge and development.

Delivering the Pandit Tirthanath Centenary Memorial Lecture, organised by the premier literary organisation Asam Sahitya Sabha, he said coming into contact with books is an enriching experience and it not only gives knowledge but also becomes a friend and constant companion.

He lauded the vision adopted by Asam Sahitya Sabha in nurturing Assam's various languages and culture including the project to set up the Assam Cultural University in Guwahati.

Kalam also suggested that the Sabha in its bid to promote and preserve Assam's languages, should adopt the goal "Journey into Knowledge" and use the broadcast media to promote literature and culture.

He urged the Sabha to encourage promotion of engineering and medicine through publication of suitable books, encourage reading of good books, continuing education in literature and research to ensure societal transformation both in the present and the future.

He also stressed the need for synergy between ancient scientific temper and modern scientific experiments.

The Bharat Ratna awardee also highlighted the contribution of Sahitya Akademi litterateur Pandit Tirthanath Sarma describing him as a "monarch of both Assamese and Sanskrit literature".

Releasing the English translation of Sarma's book "History of Auniati Satra", the former president pointed out the roots of community living in Assam has its origin in the xatras and has a major role in influencing the religious and societal evolution of the state.

Kalam stresses importance of nurturing literature

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