A book entitled 'Basic History of Multiracial Burma 1980 (Indianization and Burmanization)' authored by Sai San Aik, a scholar from Myanmar was released in a brief function organized by the Department of History at the Anniruddha Bhawan. The function was presided by Professor Dambarudhar Nath, Aniruddha Dev Chair Professor of the University. A delegation of scholars from Myanmar also attended the book release event. Dr. Hemanta Kumar Gogoi gave a brief introduction to the background of the book authored by Dr. Sai San Aik on behalf of the publisher of the second international edition of book, Star Publication.
Introducing the author Dr. Sai San Aik, Shri Chandan Sharma of the Department of History stated that Dr. Aik who is actually a Professor in Veterinary Pharmacology, Myanmar is involved with the Shan Community and Cultural works for forty five years. He has authored thirteen books in Shan and Burmese. He carried several research works on domesticated elephants. Dr. Aik was awarded the Burmese Government National Book Prize in 1995. The latest book authored by Dr. Aik which was released in the event is the first in-depth study on the history of minorities in Burma and provides a detail analysis and throws light on the relationship between India and Burma.
In his address after formally releasing the book Professor Alak Kumar Buragohain, the Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University stated that History is very much as a subject of science and it is always dynamic. Rewriting history with authentic facts and evidences and interpretations play a significant role in proper projection of the past-liberating it from the grasp of distortion. As far as the history of Myanmar is concerned Professor Buragohain stated that the book has a special meaning in the context of the socio-cultural and political commonalities between Assam and Burma. Further he stated that this will be a significant State in the Act East Policy of the Government of India. It may be mentioned that Dibrugarh University has created a three free Studentships for the eligible students from Myanmar to study the Masters Programme in the Department of Applied Geology. Further the University is reviving and consolidating its Centre for Myanmar Studies in the Department of Economics.
Dr. Aik in his address thanked Dibrugarh University for its support in bringing up the book and expressed his hope that the initiative of the University in consolidating the academic and the intellectual bonding between India and Myanmar shall lead to a new dimension in the present Act East Policy of the Government of India.
Professor Dambarudhar Nath reiterated the enormous significance of the book authored by Dr. Aik in the present Geo-political and Cultural situation in Burma. He recalled his personal efforts in moving forward the initiative for a Centre for Area Studies on South East Asia way back in 2002.
The event ended with a lively academic interaction amongst the students, faculty members and the authors and other dignitaries from Myanmar.