From Legacy to Learning: Assam University Inaugurates ‘Swapna Devi Smriti Bhavan’ as a Beacon of Knowledge in Barak Valley

Silchar, May 8 (BarakOutlet) — Assam University, Silchar, witnessed the inauguration of the newly built “Swapna Devi Smriti Bhavan” (Memorial Building) on Tuesday, a significant addition to the campus infrastructure dedicated to fostering the cultural and academic spirit of the institution.

Named in memory of Swapna Devi (1905–2017), the new building was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant. The facility was established through generous contributions by Prof. Suranjan Pal, former Head of the Department of Sanskrit, in honor of his mother. This philanthropic gesture has created a space envisioned to serve as a hub of knowledge, dialogue, and academic exchange in the Barak Valley.

Prof. Pant praised the contribution, stating that the Smriti Bhavan would inspire generations of students and scholars. He emphasized that the flow of knowledge from this building would enrich the cultural consciousness of the Barak region. “This is not just a building, but a temple of wisdom that will serve the region far beyond the university’s boundaries,” he remarked.

The Department of Sanskrit, which will now operate from this new facility, organized a short cultural program during the ceremony. Faculty members, researchers, and students of the department performed Vedic chants and presented reflections on Swapna Devi’s values and legacy. Prof. Shanti Ghosh from the department, along with other speakers, highlighted the importance of maintaining a deep connection between tradition and modern education.

The ceremony was also attended by senior officials, faculty, and members of the extended university family. Among them were Dean of Humanities Dr. Gopal Roy, Registrar-in-Charge Dr. Vivek Kumar, and Sanskrit Department faculty members Prof. Bipin Sharma and Dr. Sunita Das.

In his remarks, Prof. Suranjan Pal expressed hope that this building would become a center for classical studies, interfaith harmony, and research in Sanskrit and Indian philosophy. The event concluded with the unveiling of Swapna Devi’s bust in the foyer of the building, a symbol of inspiration for future scholars.

The Swapna Devi Smriti Bhavan is now open for use by scholars, researchers, and the broader academic community, marking a new chapter in Assam University’s commitment to holistic education rooted in cultural legacy.

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