Asom Sahitya Sabha Aims for Financial Independence with New Fund Initiative
Financial Growth and Cultural Preservation
Jorhat, Oct 14: The Asom Sahitya Sabha has successfully increased its capital fund by Rs 2 crore as of June this year, with an ambitious goal of reaching Rs 10 crore.
This announcement was made by the Sabha's president, Basanta Kumar Goswami, during a press conference at the Sabha’s headquarters, Chandrakanta Sandikoi Bhawan, on Monday.
Goswami emphasized that this initiative represents a significant step towards achieving financial self-sufficiency for the Sabha, thereby reducing reliance on external funding and ensuring the sustainability of its cultural and literary endeavors.
“Our objective is to ensure that the Asom Sahitya Sabha can operate independently without external financial support. With the addition of Rs 2 crore to our capital fund, we aim for a total of Rs 10 crore. A self-sufficient Sabha will have the autonomy to promote Assamese language, literature, and culture effectively,” stated Goswami.
He pointed out that the Sabha is committed to enhancing its financial foundation through transparent management practices, public donations, and partnerships with institutions.
This capital fund initiative aligns with the Sabha’s broader vision of reclaiming its status as Assam’s leading cultural institution.
“From Sadiya to Dhubri, we are dedicated to restoring the Asom Sahitya Sabha's lost prestige. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a vital role in preserving Assam's heritage,” he added.
During the press conference, Dr. Goswami also addressed a misleading social media campaign that falsely claimed he would travel to Singapore to investigate the death of singer Zubeen Garg.
The posts, which misappropriated his image and the Sabha’s official emblem, were designed to mislead the public and tarnish the organization’s reputation, he explained.
“This campaign is entirely unfounded. It was initiated by malicious individuals aiming to disrupt the Sabha’s operations. Our statement regarding outreach to the Assamese community in Singapore through our local branch was misrepresented to imply that I would be traveling there personally, which is false,” clarified Goswami.
He further mentioned that during a recent executive meeting in Silchar, the Sabha adopted its first resolution concerning Zubeen Garg’s death.
The Sabha expressed profound sorrow, called for a neutral and scientific investigation, and urged the government to prevent political exploitation of the situation.
“We requested that justice be served transparently and that the investigation remain free from political interference. The Sabha does not intend to engage in anything beyond this,” he stated.
Goswami described the Silchar executive session as a historic moment in the Sabha’s journey.
“Such a session has never occurred before in the Sabha's history. It was significant not only for its resolutions but also for the unity it demonstrated among our members,” he remarked.
He reiterated that the Sabha’s current priorities include achieving financial stability, strengthening institutional frameworks, and preserving cultural heritage, urging the public to support its initiatives and avoid falling victim to misinformation.
“The Asom Sahitya Sabha is a treasure for every Assamese heart. Our mission is to preserve culture with transparency and self-reliance. We will continue to progress, undeterred by false narratives,” concluded Goswami.