Hemkosh​

The group can trace its origins to the esteemed Hem Chandra Baruah, a renowned writer and social reformer who created the first etymological Assamese dictionary from Sanskrit, known as Hemkosh, published in 1900.

Hemkosh was warmly received by the Assamese society and fostered a sense of responsibility for the accurate development of the Assamese language, including providing English synonyms for each word. Despite the high demand, the dictionary saw its second and third editions published only in 1941 and 1955, respectively, due to Hem Chandra Baruah’s passing. These editions were edited by his son, Ananda Ram Baruah.

Following Ananda Ram Baruah’s death, the 4th to the 14th extended editions were continuously published and edited by Hem Chandra Baruah’s grandson, Hemkosh Pran Devananda Baruah, who expanded the dictionary to include approximately 100,000 words with English explanations.

During the British period, regional languages faced a significant identity crisis, often being used with incorrect pronunciation and grammar. In response, Hem Chandra Baruah published ‘Porhaholiya Abhidhan,’ Hemkosh, and ‘Asomiya Bhakhar Biyakoron’ to strengthen and standardize the Assamese language.

Hemkosh was first published in the early 20th century under the supervision of Capt. P. R. Gordon, ISC, and Hemchandra Goswami, containing around 22,346 words. This dictionary, still published by Hemkosh Printers, is considered the “standard” reference for Assamese orthography.

On the 188th birth anniversary of ‘Bhaxar Oja’ Late Hemchandra Baruah, the 15th Revised Edition of Hemkosh was officially unveiled on December 10, 2023, at Vivekananda Kendra in Uzanbazar, Guwahati. This latest edition, spanning over 1200 pages, includes more than 100,000 words.

Twelve years after the demise of Devananda Baruah, in 2023, his son Jayanta Baruah, Chairman of the Sadin-Pratidin Group and Editor of Asomiya Pratidin Newspaper, published and edited the 15th Edition of Hemkosh on behalf of Hemkosh Publication, with guidance from three eminent scholars: Dr. Malini Goswami, Dr. Basanta Goswami, and Dr. Upen Rabha Hakasam. This edition included an additional 3,000 new words.

Work has begun on the extended 16th Edition, which aims to include approximately 10,000 new synonyms of tribal words in Assamese script. This edition, targeted for publication within a year, aims to serve as a bridge for communication with Assamese-speaking people and various indigenous tribes such as the Rabha, Karbi, Bodo, and Miching.