September 27, 2024: The prestigious Golok Samman for 2023 has been officially announced, recognizing four remarkable young individuals for their outstanding contributions in art, literature, research, and social work. Instituted by the UD Foundation in memory of renowned translator and social worker Golok Chandra Datta, the award aims to celebrate those making significant cultural and social impacts in Assam.

This year’s honorees include Dr. Sanjeev Bora, a celebrated artist; Avantika Parashar, an accomplished translator; Rajesh Dattabaruah, an environmental activist; and Dr. Baburam Saikia, a distinguished Sattriya dancer and researcher.

Recognizing Talent in Art and Visual Media
Dr. Sanjeev Bora has been acknowledged for his exceptional contributions to fine arts. With a unique artistic style, Bora has illustrated over 2,000 books for various publishers, including many prominent publications from Northeast India. His work encompasses both traditional and digital media, extending to posters and designs for films. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, Bora’s award underscores his ongoing impact on Assamese visual arts.

Celebrating the Art of Translation
Avantika Parashar has been honored for her achievements in translation. She gained recognition with her Assamese translation of Edith Nesbit’s The Railway Children and has since translated works such as King Solomon’s Mines and Martin Luther King Jr.’s autobiography. A talented writer herself, Parashar has several original short story collections and is set to release a collection of Rabha folk tales and an Assamese translation of Devdutt Pattanaik’s My Gita.

Environmental Activism in Focus
Rajesh Dattabaruah is recognized for his relentless efforts as an environmental activist. He is well-known for popularizing the "Mobile Dustbin" concept and has been actively working since 2012 to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon emissions and single-use plastics. His initiatives also focus on conserving Assam’s rivers and protecting its aquatic wildlife, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin, while addressing human-wildlife conflicts.

Honoring Sattriya Dance and Research
Dr. Baburam Saikia has been awarded for his invaluable contributions to Sattriya dance and research. A prominent performer, Dr. Saikia has showcased Assam’s traditional dance on national and international platforms, including performances in France, Germany, and the USA. As a scholar with a PhD in folklore from Tartu University, Estonia, he has also been a visiting scholar at institutions like Elon University and the National University of Ireland.

Award Ceremony Set for October
The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Guwahati during the first week of October. The Golok Samman trophy, symbolizing the award, was designed by Kolkata-based artist Sourish Mitra and crafted by Assamese sculptor Biju Das.

Established to honor individuals dedicated to developing Assam’s cultural and social heritage, the Golok Samman continues to highlight the inspiring efforts of those making a significant difference in the state.