Gauhati University teachers give up one-day salaries, donate Rs 25 lakh for CM Relief Fund
A Gauhati University delegation on Sunday handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lakh to Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for flood-affected people of Assam. The contribution is part of the University’s wider response to the floods, which has included relief materials for 500 families in Sivasagar and Charaideo, 5,000 educational kits for affected areas and a special scientific conservation effort to save centuries-old Vaishnavite manuscripts damaged by the floods.
The delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta, met the Chief Minister at Lok Bhawan and handed over the cheque. The contribution was mobilised through one day’s salary donated by teachers of Gauhati University, along with contributions from the University’s non-teaching staff.
The University had moved quickly to extend relief support to affected communities after the floods. Relief materials were sent to 500 families in Sivasagar and Charaideo, while a special team was subsequently despatched with 5,000 educational kits and tools for affected areas.
Alongside humanitarian relief, Gauhati University has also taken up the conservation of Assam’s cultural heritage affected by the floods. A special team of conservation experts and a scientific officer was sent to flood-affected satras to rescue and restore handwritten Vaishnavite manuscripts written on sanchipat. Some of these manuscripts date back to the early 18th century and faced the risk of permanent damage from prolonged exposure to floodwater and fungal growth.
“Gauhati University is an institution rooted in Assam and its people. In times of distress, it is our responsibility to stand with the community in whatever way we can. Our contribution is modest, but it reflects the spirit of our entire University family. At the same time, we have a responsibility to protect Assam’s cultural heritage, which is also vulnerable during such disasters,” Prof Mahanta said.
During the meeting, the University delegation briefed the Chief Minister on its relief and conservation initiatives, including the ongoing effort to preserve valuable manuscripts belonging to flood-affected satras.
The delegation comprised Gauhati University Registrar Prof Utpal Sarma, President of the Gauhati University Teachers’ Association Prof Dwipen Bezbaruah, GUTA General Secretary Dr Samir Sarkar and Academic Registrar Prof Rajib Handique.
The Chief Minister appreciated the collective humanitarian efforts of the Gauhati University community and thanked the University for standing with the people of Assam during the difficult period.
The delegation also briefed Dr Sarma on Gauhati University’s preparations for the forthcoming visit of the Hon’ble Vice-President of India to the University. The Chief Minister took note of the preparations and assured the University of necessary support for the successful conduct of the visit.
The University’s response to the floods has combined immediate relief with efforts to support education and protect Assam’s cultural heritage, reflecting its larger responsibility towards the people and communities of the state.
