November 22, 2020: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented Birendra Kumar Bhattacharjya award 2020 to renowned journalist and editor of ‘Prantik’ Pradip Baruah in a programme held at Rabindra Bhawan in the city on Saturday. The award carries a citation, angabastra, sarai and a cheque of Rs. two lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal announced that the State government would take steps for setting up a memorial building in the name of the Jnanpith awardee and creator of ‘Mrityunjay’ Dr. Birnedra Kumar Bhattacharjya. He also said that the government would install a statue in memory of the litterateur in the State.

Chief Minister Sonowal said that Dr. Birnedra Kumar Bhattacharjya’s literature gave a new dimension to Assamese literature. He also lauded the role played by ‘Prantik’ in ushering intellectual resurgence in the State.

Editor of ‘Prantik’ Pradip Baruah in his speech said that inspired by Dr. Birnedra Kumar Bhattacharjya, he took the initiative to publish ‘Prantik’ with an aim to give voice to new and young writers. He also said that Assamese language and literature has immense potential for growth and there is a need to put committed efforts.

Minister of Guwahati Development Department Siddhartha Bhattacharjya, Minister of State for Cultural Affairs Naba Kumar Doley, Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, son and daughter of Dr. Birendra Kumar Bhattacharjya Dr. Dipankar Bhattachrarjya and Juri Goswami also spoke on the occasion.

While Director of Cultural Affairs Bishnu Kamal Bora delivered the welcome address, the programme was also attended by Commissioner & Secretary of Cultural Affairs Department Preetom Kumar Saikia among others.