Tezpur University, one of Assam’s premier central universities, has not purchased a single Assamese book in the last two years, raising questions about its commitment to promoting regional language and literature. The information came to light through a recent Right to Information (RTI) response that revealed the university library had not added any Assamese titles between 2022 and 2024. The finding has sparked concern among students, teachers, and literary circles about the neglect of local language studies in higher education institutions.
I am writing about this issue because it touches upon a larger concern — the slow marginalisation of regional languages in academic spaces. At a time when the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises multilingual learning and the preservation of Indian languages, the absence of Assamese books in a leading university library reflects a worrying disconnect. For a state that takes pride in its literary heritage — from Lakshminath Bezbaroa to Homen Borgohain — such oversight is not just administrative but cultural. It’s important to understand why this happened and what it means for the future of regional language education in Assam.
The RTI Revelation
The issue came to public attention when an RTI query filed by a concerned citizen revealed that Tezpur University’s library had not bought any Assamese books since 2022. The response confirmed that while books in English and other languages had been regularly added, Assamese titles were completely missing from the procurement list.
The revelation disappointed many in the academic community, as Tezpur University was established with the objective of blending modern education with regional and cultural values. The absence of Assamese books, therefore, goes against the very ethos on which the university was founded.
Reaction from the Academic and Literary Circles
The news has triggered a debate among teachers, writers, and students. Many believe this reflects the growing dominance of English-medium education and the shrinking space for regional languages in higher learning. A faculty member reportedly remarked that students in Assamese literature departments depend mostly on old collections or digital archives, as no new physical copies are available.
Local authors and publishers have also expressed disappointment, saying that the university’s indifference affects not only Assamese literature students but also the local publishing ecosystem. They argue that universities should serve as a platform to preserve, promote, and circulate regional literature.
What the University Says
According to sources within the university, the lack of Assamese book purchases may be due to administrative delays and shifting academic priorities. Officials have mentioned that book acquisition depends on departmental recommendations and availability of funds. However, the explanation has not convinced many, especially since universities receive specific grants for library resources.
Students have pointed out that even if some courses are taught in English, regional language materials remain essential for understanding Assam’s cultural and historical context. They have urged the administration to take immediate steps to correct the imbalance.
Why This Matters
The absence of Assamese books in a central university is more than just a procurement issue. It reflects a larger trend of regional language neglect that has been visible across many Indian universities. When institutions fail to invest in regional literature, they indirectly discourage research, translation work, and linguistic diversity.
The NEP 2020 strongly advocates for the promotion of Indian languages, encouraging universities to integrate them into teaching, research, and publication. Yet, cases like Tezpur University show that implementation often lags behind policy vision.
The Way Forward
If Tezpur University is to uphold its founding mission, it must:
- Resume regular purchase of Assamese and other regional books.
- Encourage departments to include regional titles in syllabi.
- Collaborate with local publishers and authors to enrich library resources.
- Create a digital archive for Assamese literary works accessible to all students.
Such steps would not only support local authors but also reconnect the academic community with Assam’s rich linguistic heritage.
