Mukut Sharma/Guwahati

Two decades ago, Nuruddin Ahmed created a stir by bringing the sinking of the Titanic to life on stage in live theatre. Over the years, he has also brought to life the 5,000-year-old Maya civilization and Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandava kingdom from the Mahabharata, in Durga Puja mandaps.

A National Award-winning sculptor and art director, Ahmed is currently leading the Pathsala session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha. He has previously made headlines for displaying models of iconic structures like the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, and the Great Wall of China during Durga Puja.

Nuruddin Ahmed played a significant role in organising the 77th Pathsala session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha. The first-ever Science Fair held on the Sahitya Sabha grounds from January 31 to February 4 attracted lakhs of visitors from across India and abroad.

For those unfamiliar, the Assam Sahitya Sabha is a key guardian of Assam's cultural and literary heritage, playing a vital role in promoting the language, culture, literature, and dignity of the northeastern state.

A scene inside the Science Fair

The organization, founded in 1917 by pioneers like Padmanath Gohanibarua and Sarat Chandra Goswami, is celebrating its 108th year by hosting a science fair alongside its literary activities for the first time.

In an interview with Awaz-the Voice, Assam, Nuruddin Ahmed shared that, while he has been involved in sculpture and art direction for decades, this is his first time organizing such a large-scale science fair.

"I have organized many science fairs and also worked with the Assam Science Technology & Environment Council. The Pathsala session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha features 21 departments related to science and technology," he said. These include institutions such as the Indian Army, National Science Centre, Aryabhatta Science Centre, Oil Corporation of India, Numaligarh Oil Refinery, Assam Agricultural University, North Eastern Space Application Centre, Tezpur University, Gauhati University, and the Shipping Corporation of India.

"This initiative by the Assam Sahitya Sabha is a welcome move and will play a crucial role in fostering a scientific mindset among the youth,” said Nuruddin Ahmed, a Sangeet Natak Academy Award winner.

Science Fair at Pathsala

Nuruddin Ahmed has been designing arches for the venue of the Assam Sahitya Sabha sessions held in different parts of Assam for the past three decades. He was also closely involved during the 1987 session at Pathsala, Bajali district.

At that session, Nuruddin worked on the museum and archway. He is proud of his association with the Pathshala Sahitya Sabha session after 38 years and thanked the local MLA and Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass for this.

"I have a special passion for the Pathsala session. The Sahitya Sabha session was held here in 1987. "I am grateful to the welcoming committee president and Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass for giving me this opportunity this time", Ahmed said. 

The art director told Awaz that he began decorating the venue on January 19 and completed the work by January 30 and handed it over to the management committee. A group of 16 artists collaborated to decorate the Science Fair for the public, with Nuruddin Ahmed’s two sons, Dwip and Raj Ahmed, also contributing to success of the event..

Nuruddin Ahmed, who has revived the traditional arches of temples and sculptures in various parts of Assam, has prepared the tableau of the state of Assam for several Republic Days.

Nuruddin Ahmed has been creating and painting idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses for many years. Despite facing challenges at the beginning, as idolatry is forbidden in Islam, his works are now embraced with love and reverence by both Hindus and Muslims.

The Pandal of Indian Army at the Science Fair

During the Sharadiya Durga Puja last year, Nuruddin Ahmed brought Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandava kingdom in the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata, to life. His creation received praise at the Athgaon Public Durga Puja Mandap in Guwahati. Indraprastha, which means "The city of Indra," is believed to have been located in the area where present-day New Delhi stands.

The Assam Sahitya Sabha is the guardian of Assam’s cultural and literary heritage. It has played a great role in promoting the language, culture, literature and dignity of the North Eastern Space Application Centre.

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The organization was founded in 1917 by pioneers like Padmanath Gohanibarua and Sarat Chandra Goswami. In its 108th year for the first time a science fair is being organized along side literary activities.