The Department of Assamese, Jagannath Barooah University, inaugurated the Alumni Lecture Series as part of an academic initiative inspired by the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 on 17th February,2026.The programme aims to strengthen higher education through the intellectual contribution, professional expertise, and continued engagement of alumni, thereby supporting both academic and institutional development.

The lecture series has been introduced to benefit present students by creating a platform where former students of the Department—now serving in various universities and colleges—share their research experiences and scholarly insights. The initiative seeks to promote knowledge exchange, research-oriented learning, and meaningful interaction between alumni and the current academic community.

The series was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jyotiprasad Saikia, who, in his inaugural address, appreciated the initiative undertaken by the Department of Assamese. Highlighting the relevance of the theme, he observed that linking literature with a significant social issue such as nationalism would encourage interdisciplinary thinking and broaden students’ intellectual perspectives through critical discussion and academic dialogue.

The programme began with a welcome address delivered by Swamim Nasrin Milan, Head of the Department of Assamese, who highlighted the objectives of the Alumni Lecture Series and emphasized the importance of alumni participation in strengthening academic culture and institutional growth. The proceedings of the programme were smoothly anchored by Dr. Bornalee Gogoi, 

The programme, held in the University’s Conference hall, was attended by Registrar Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, Academic Registrar Dr. Surajit Sharma, faculty members, research scholars, and students, whose active participation contributed to the academic vibrancy of the event.

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Dr. Panchanan Hazarika, an alumnus of the Department and currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Assamese at Madhavdev University. His lecture, titled “The Question of Nationalism and Assamese Literature: An Investigation of the Relationship,” explored the historical evolution of nationalist thought in Assam and its reflection in Assamese literature.

In his address, Dr. Hazarika examined the development of linguistic and cultural nationalism during the colonial period, highlighting the contributions of pioneering figures such as Holiram Dhekiyal Phukan, Anandaram Dhekiyal Phukan, Gunabhiram Barua, and Hemchandra Barua. He further analyzed the growth of economic and political nationalist ideology shaped by peasant movements, tracing its historical trajectory from the late nineteenth century to the twenty-first century in Assam.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Silpi Sikha Konwar, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, participants, and organizers for making the event a success.

The Alumni Lecture Series marks an important step towards strengthening alumni–institution collaboration while fostering research culture and academic excellence at Jagannath Barooah University.