A Public Exhibition on Sisters of Tezpur (Revisiting the Golden History of Tezpur Mahila Samiti) was organized from 16th to 18th March,2023 in collaboration with Indian Association for Women’s Studies, Delhi, Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre for Women Studies, Tezpur University and Tezpur Mahila Samiti,Tezpur. The programme was organized in the premises of Tezpur Mahila Samiti.

On 16th March, welcome address was given by Manasi Dutta, president TDMS. Opening remarks were delivered by Mita Nangia Goswami,president, Tezpur Mahila Samiti and Dr. Madhurima Goswami, Head, Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre for Women Studies,Tezpur University.

Professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharya, Vice-Chancellor, Tezpur University addressed the gathering and assured possible support in terms of procuring gamosas, convocation gowns and snacks prepared by the Mahila Samiti.

He focused on corporate social responsibilities on the part of the university and showed his willingness for the collaboration.

Prof. Chandan Kumar Sharma, Head, Department of Social work,Tezpur University, deliberated on the significance of the Mahila Samities a civil organizations in sustaining the Sustainable Development Goals to a large extent. He also expressed his desire to explore the history of Tezpur Mahila Samiti indepth and relate it to the overall developed of the state.

Dr. Madhurima Goswami, Head, Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre for Women Studies,Tezpur University, praised the efforts of Tezpur Mahila Samiti in trying to showcase the history of Tezpur Mahila Samiti in collaboration with IAWS and Tezpur University. She pointed out that in Assam, the women’s movement spearheaded by Tezpur Mahila Samiti is applauded for the progressive work it has done in the last six decades.

Prof. Sheila Bora, Retired Professor of history, deliberated on the significance of documenting the history of women’s movement and also stressed on preserving the age-old traditions and culture of the state. Prof. Bora shared her experience on documenting the life history of Kanaklata Baruah, an Indian independence activist. Prof. Bora also shared about her experience in documenting the age-old knowledge of ethnic medicine.

Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre for Women Studies,Tezpur University felicitated a renowned social worker of Tezpur, Ms. Nina Dutta for her outstanding contribution as a social worker. Professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharya, Vice-Chancellor, Tezpur University handed over the memento and the traditional Xorai to Ms. Nina Dutta.

At last, the exhibition was inaugurated by the invited guests.

On 17th, March, students from different educational institutions in Tezpur presented various programmes. Students from college of teacher education, Tezpur presented a skit on “Alop Dawer Alop Puhar”. They presented the problems women face in the society in their everyday lives from trying to balance their profession and family to young girls being teased in the streets. They beautifully tried to present that if the society and the family supports the women, they can easily handle all their challenges in daily lives.

A Rabha folk song was presented by Biplobika Kurmi from Tezpur Law college. A classical dance was performed by Ms. Bonoshri Saikia, student from college of teacher education, Tezpur. Mrs. Naba Sharma,president of Aparajita Mahila Samiti, Napaam presented a poem recitation.

Ms. Sonali Boro and Ms. Ruhi Kashyap, Research Scholar, Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre for Women Studies,Tezpur University, moderated a session on “Walk down the memory lane” by Meenakshi Bhuyan. Meenakshi Bhuyan, a social activist from Tezpur narrated the history of Tezpur Mahila Samiti. The session was documented as a part of a work on documentation of the history of women. The speaker narrated her childhood experiences with the Mahila Samiti. She had seen the ups and downs of the Samiti. Meenakshi Bhuyan narrated about the Samiti from its inception and its activities throughout the decades.

On 18th, March an extempore speech was organized. Dr. Hemjyoti Medhi, Department of English, Tezpur University conducted the event. 15 students from Darrang college, Tezpur participated in the event. The Mahila Samiti presented some handmade crafts to the winners of the event. Ms. Sonali Boro, Nigar Sultana and Niharika Das, Assistant prof. Darrang college acted as the judges.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Ms. Ruhi Kashyap, research scholar, CSCWS, Tezpur University.