First Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture, organized by Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI), KKHSOU

Guwahati Nov 15^th  2017: The first Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture was organised at Sudmersen Hall, Cotton University on November 15, 2017. The Memorial Lecture entitled "Paradigm shift in Intellectual History and Banikanta Kakati", was delivered by Prof. Ranjit Kumar Dev Goswami, Head of Srimanta Sankardeva Chair, Tezpur University.
In this well attended Lecture Programme, Prof. Goswami highlighted the paradigm shift in Assamese Literature, and other writings initiated by Banikanta Kakati. His contention was that prior to Dr. Kakati there is no credible evidence on the writings of Assamese scholars and litterateurs on the issue of caste prejudices. He further added that Dr. Kakati’s writings later on influenced the succeeding generations of writers and scholars to deal with the problems of social inclusiveness in Assamese society.

Second Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture, organized by Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI),KKHSOU

Guwahati November 15^th,  2018: The Second Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture was held on 15th November, 2018, at the NEDFi Auditorium, Guwahati. It was organized by Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI) of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU). The Lecture was delivered by Dr. Jaimini Bhagwati, Former Indian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, and Currently Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Chair Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), on the theme “Stresses in India’s Financial Sector and on The Trade Front”. First, he elaborated on the key aspects of the Indian financial sector in order to acquaint the audience with the key concepts. Dr. Bhagwati talked about the recent developments that have taken place in the trade front. He also extensively spoke about the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the decisions that have been by it regarding issues like lending, etc. He explained about interest rates as well in the context of short-term and long-term loans. He also gave an interesting insight into the functioning systems of public and private sector banks.

Third Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture, organized by Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI),KKHSOU

Guwahati November 15^th,  2019: Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI) of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) organised the Third Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture on 15th November, 2019, at NEDFi Auditorium, Dispur, Guwahati. The Lecture was delivered by Dr. Karabi Deka Hazarika, Professor, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva Vishwavidyalaya, and Former Lakshminath Bezbaruah Chair Professor, Dibrugarh University.
The title of Dr. Karabi Deka Hazarika’s speech was “Banikanta Kakatir Rosonar Nandonik Xoundorjyo: Eti Somu Bislexon”. Dr. Hazarika in her speech, gave an analytical interpretation of Dr. Banikanta Kakati’s writings, and laid emphasis on his exceptional literary skills. A detailed sketch of Dr. Banikanta Kakati’s educational achievements was also discussed by the speaker.

Fourth Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture, organized by Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI),KKHSOU

The 4th Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture, 2020 was organized by the Padmanath Gohain Baruah School of Humanities, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University which was delivered online by Professor Pona Mahanta, Former Head, Department of English, Dibrugarh University on 15th November, 2020. The topic of the lecture was entitled: “Drama: Sankardeva and Shakespeare.” The lecture was formally inaugurated by Professor Kandarpa Das, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University. Following the inaugural speech, the Convenor of the programme, Dr. Prasenjit Das, Associate Professor in English and Director-in-Charge of Padmanath Gohain Baruah School of Humanities gave a brief account of the previous three lectures held on this occasion besides providing an introductory note on the invited speaker, Professor Pona Mahanta. In his lecture, Professor Mahanta began by highlighting the hundred years gap or difference between the life and times of both Sankardeva and Shakespeare. The Memorial Lecture was attended by invited guests, teaching and non-teaching staff and a few learners of the university. The Vote of Thanks of the programme was offered by Dr. Arupjyoti Choudhury, the Registrar of the University.

Fifth Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture, organized by Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI),KKHSOU

The Banikanta Kakati Research Institute (BKRI) of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University organised the 5th Banikanta Kakati Memorial Lecture on November 15, 2021 to mark the birth and death anniversary of the doyen of Assamese scholastic discourses, Dr. Banikanta Kakati. The lecture was delivered by Professor Sailen Bharali, Former Professor of Gauhati University on the topic “Banikanta Kakati’s Contribution to Indian Literature”. The programme was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (i/c) Professor Nripendra Narayan Sarma. In his inaugural address, Professor Sarma highlighted the importance of Kakati’s influence and contribution to Assamese language and literature. The Director (i/c) of BKRI Dr. Prasenjit Das spoke on the Memorial Lecture in general reflecting on the various issues and topics discussed in the past lectures and introduced the speaker of the lecture, Professor Sailen Bharali to the audience. In his lecture, Professor Bharali touched upon the intellectual and critical aspects of Banikanta Kakati as a critic. The lecture was attended by various officers of the University including the Dean (Study Centre), Dean (Academic), Directors of the various Schools, Controller of Examinations and faculty members from various disciplines. The research scholars of the university also took active participation in the programme. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks offered by the Coordinator (i/c) of Banikanta Kakati Research Institute of KKHSOU Dr Chayanika Senapati.