GUWAHATI, Nov 21 - �Bal Sahitya Puraskar-2015� winners � Eli Ahmad and Mukti Upadhyay Baral � were jointly felicitated by the Assam Association and Assam Bhavan, Mumbai, recently, for their contributions to children literature. A programme was held at the Mumbai Assam Bhavan to mark the occasion, said a press release here.
This year, Sahitya Akademi Bal Puraskar was awarded to three writers from Assam, including Tiren Boro for his famous novel Bokhali. He could not attend the function.
While welcoming distinguished guests, President of Assam Association, Mumbai, Binod Mudiar, highlighted the immense contributions of Sahitya Akademi towards the development of 24 Indian languages since its inception in 1954.
In the beginning, Srimoyee Ladies Club presented a group song composed by Eli Ahmad and set the tone for a lovely discussion. Besides, local women presented two popular songs, also composed by Eli Ahmad: Phul phul phul kali melile... of the super-hit film Dr Bezbarua and Ga ga aji gain... of another super-hit film Baruar Sansar.
Deputy Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhavan, Devashish Sarma, felicitated both the distinguished writers and spoke about their contributions towards the development of literature. The members of Assam Association felicitated both Eli Ahmed and Mukti Upadhyay Baral with bouquets, gamosas and shawls.
Mukti Upadhyay Baral, a mathematics teacher by profession, narrated his struggle in the early years of his life and also his efforts to become a writer for the children. He received this year�s Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his novel Malati the story of a young village girl oblivious of her study and an incisive nature lover.
The story described the impact of technology in transforming her life and eventually making her a brilliant student. The book will soon be published in Assamese and number of other languages. He loves acting and mesmerised the audience with a Nepali song.
Eli Ahmad is a popular name in Assamese poetry. Since her childhood, she used to compose songs, poems in spite of resistance from her grandmother with whom she grew up. She then used to argue that the Ajaan and the Quran also includes �sa re ga ma...�.
Being humorous since childhood and now at the age of 80 plus, she maintains her childhood spirit and still a passionate writer.
Her approach to life, poems, songs and Bihu dance performance to the melodious voice of Devasish Sarma made the evening livelier. Noted filmmaker Jahnu Baruah, and Rathindra Goswami, a young litterateur, were also present at the function.
Aparup Borpuzari shared his experience of early days with Eli Ahmad at Nazira which added more lustre and humour to the evening.
Syed Afjal Ali recited a poem of Eli Ahmad and Bidyut Chetia read out a letter written by Nirupama Borgohain on one of her birthdays depicting the true personality of Eli Ahmad.
The programme was conducted by Dr Haladhar Sarma, an insatiable reader, said the press release.
