Sandhya R gogoi
MORAN, Feb 23 – In an era where print and electronic medium has been dominating for so long, it comes as a surprise to the world and especially for Assam to stand proud by the works of a humble cultivator of Bakata Namuguri Gaon under Sibasagar district. Mohan Saikia had created a record by presenting to the world a magnificent series of books written on Bamboo. On the 15th of February 2010 noted litterature and ex-president of Assam Sahitya Sabha, Dr Nagen Saikia released 12 books of Mohan Saikia at his residence. In the meeting, Saikia said the release of the souvenir Silpajyoti has been a rare moment of his life and he feels proud to have used the bamboo, which is a basic need especially of the village people for such a dignified deed as book writing. The release meeting was graced by eminent researches, artists and litteratures of Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts. The bamboo books of Sankardev’s Gunamala, Kirtan, Tai Hahitya Aru Darkhan, the translated version of Medini Mohan, Bakata Na-Nath Gaonor Ettibitra, Baahoilpa, Putailoi Sithi’ etc. were also inaugurated in the function. Later, Dr. Dandeswar Dutta, scientist of Rain Forest Research Institute inaugurated the exhibition which included Saikia’s other hand -made goods of bamboo and cane.
In the meeting held under the presidentship of Jageswar Baruah, noted social activist and principal of Bakata Nemuguri HSS Dr Nagen Saikia was felicitated along with Dr Dandeswar Dutta, Dr Bipin Khongia, bamboo specialist, Dr Luhi Saikia, Dr Bhanuproava Saikia, Satyajit Saikia, Deputy editor Ajir Dainik Batori etc.
It took eight years for Mohan Saikia to produce his book. After cutting the outer part of bamboo, the pages were developed scientifically, and by binding the boundary, with bamboo and care the vanishing it. Finally the book was written on it with marker pen. Saikia said that he plans to write 100 such bamboo books. However, he had no intention of selling them. He has also been developing a bamboo library at his home to preserve his works and if any organisation of Assam wishes to take the responsibility, he would willingly give it to them.
Although today it cannot be said how much these bamboo books will be of help in the future. However, it must be accepted that this exceptional work has definitely created a sensation in the world of books and the bamboo industry.
