Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani today said she will appeal to the UGC to institute a Chair in the name of Assamese literature giant Lakshminath Bezbaruah in every university of the state to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth this year.
"As soon as I return to Delhi, I will appeal to the UGC to set up a Lakshminath Bezbaruah Chair in every university of Assam," Irani said at an event at Down Town University here.
Recognising the contribution of Bezbaruah, she said the 150th birth anniversary of the great Assamese should be celebrated across the country.
"Assam is celebrating his birth anniversary, but why is India not celebrating? All parts of the country should celebrate. It is important to unite the nation and unite the North East. It is important that younger generation knows about the contribution of Bezbaruah," Irani said.
Bezbaruah made pioneering contributions to almost all forms of Assamese literature -- poems, novels, short stories, collection of folk tales, dramas, biographical works and satirical essays.
'O Mor Aponar Desh', composed by him, is accepted as the state anthem of Assam.
Irani also informed that she had requested the UGC to have a Vivekananda Chair in every university of the country to mark the 150th birth anniversary.
