The Impact of Religion on the Upliftment of the Rabha Community
Introduction
The second day of the discussion session titled "Religious Influence on the Upliftment of the Rabha Community" was conducted by Dr. Upend Rabha Hakacham, a senior professor in the Assamese Department at Gauhati University. The session, which started at 1 PM, saw Dr. Hakacham addressing the audience with a critical observation that despite the Rabha people being followers of different religions, there is no definitive clarity on what their true religion is. Hence, religion has had no significant influence on the overall progress of the Rabha community.
Religious Identity and Community Consensus
Dr. Hakacham further elaborated that religious identity should not be a cause for inferiority complexes among the Rabha people, nor should it drive them towards religious conversion. Instead, he urged social and community organizations to come together and reach a consensus on the religious identity of the Rabha community at the earliest.
Views from Experts
Dr. Lalit Chandra Rabha's Perspective
During the discussion, Dr. Lalit Chandra Rabha, Principal of Dudhnoi College, expressed his views on the matter. He pointed out that although the Bodo community has begun recognizing Bathou as their religion despite its lack of constitutional recognition, the Rabha people should also consider naming their religion based on their traditional deities.
Dr. Anupama Rabha's Perspective
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Anupama Rabha from Lakhipur College emphasized that rather than converting to other religions, the Rabha community should establish and consolidate its religious beliefs.
Book Unveiling Ceremony
At the beginning of the discussion, three books were unveiled: the periodical 'Hasong Khurang,' the memoir 'Khoushandam,' and the poetry collection 'Nistobdha Nisha Usuboni' by poet Shivprasad Hadu. The books were launched by former General Secretary of the All Rabha Literary Society, Bishwanath Rabha Tara, along with prominent Meghalaya-based literary figure Yantri Cherenga.
Significance of Literature in Community Identity
During his speech at the book launch, Bishwanath Rabha Tara stated that the publication of a book symbolizes the birth of a new heart. He further emphasized that periodicals act as bridges between the past and the future, playing a crucial role in language preservation, social upliftment, and community identity formation.
Felicitation Ceremony
The session also included a felicitation ceremony honoring distinguished social workers such as Lotsing Kumar Rabha, Khagendra Narayan Bachung, Listiram Rongkh, Dayawanta Bhaven Dayanang, Charumohan Rabha, Dr. Lakshminath Rabha, and Dr. Barbilina Rabha for their invaluable contributions to society.
Conclusion
The discussion highlighted the importance of cultural and religious identity in the Rabha community and urged collective efforts toward preserving their heritage without succumbing to external religious influences.
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