The Department of English, Jagannath Barooah University, through its Society for English Studies (SES), successfully organized Cornucopia 4.0, an English Poetry Festival, on 4 April 2026 at the university campus in Jorhat.
The festival was held to commemorate the birth anniversary of the renowned American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. The event brought together students, faculty members, poets, and literary enthusiasts from various colleges across the districts of Jorhat and Golaghat, creating a vibrant platform for poetic expression and literary engagement.
The programme commenced with an on-the-spot poetry writing competition in which participants from different institutions showcased their creative talents. The formal session began with a welcome address by Dr. Nandini Choudhury Bora, Head of the Department of English, who highlighted the significance of nurturing literary creativity among students. Dr. Deepanjali Baruah, President of SES, presented an overview of the origins and growth of Cornucopia since its inception. The gathering was also addressed by Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, Registrar of the university, and Dr. Surajit Sharma, Academic Registrar, both of whom appreciated the Department’s sustained efforts to promote literary culture and artistic expression.
One of the major attractions of the festival was an intensive poetry writing workshop conducted by noted poet Dr. Neeta Lagachu Taye. Through interactive sessions, she guided participants on various aspects of poetry, including rhythm, voice, expression, and performance. Using selected poems of Maya Angelou as well as her own works, she demonstrated effective recitation techniques. Participants also engaged in a collaborative creative exercise in which they composed a poem collectively using alphabet-based prompts.
Additional guidance on poetry composition and the publication process was provided virtually by Dr. Shyamalima Saikia, who offered valuable insights into the craft and dissemination of poetry.
A special highlight of the event was the felicitation of Anamika Tamuli, an alumna of the Department of English and recipient of the prestigious Wingword Prize for Poetry. She captivated the audience by reciting her award-winning poem, The Dal Burned. The programme also featured a tribute to celebrated Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg. A visual retrospective designed by Aman Wahid Hazarika showcased the journey of Cornucopia from its inception in 2015 to its present fourth edition.
The open session included moving poetry recitations by Anmona Bora, Dr. Deepanjali Baruah, Pranami Bania, and Abhishek Kabra, among others, adding further richness to the literary celebration.
The festival concluded with the announcement of the winners of the on-the-spot poetry writing competition. Projnan Pratim Sharma secured the first position, Priyangana Buragohain won the second position, and Priyakshi Dutta was awarded the third position.
Cornucopia 4.0 once again reaffirmed Jagannath Barooah University’s commitment to celebrating world literature and fostering creative talent among young writers. By honouring the enduring legacy of Maya Angelou and providing an inspiring space for emerging poets, the festival strengthened the university’s role as a vibrant centre of literary and cultural excellence.