BARPETA, Aug 28 - The Barpeta Shiromani Awards for 2019 and 2020 were presented in a solemn function held here today. While the award for 2019 was conferred on renowned Satriya artiste and recipient of Sangeet Natak Academy Award Jagannath Bayan, the 2020 Barpeta Shiromani Award was conferred on octogenarian academician and retired principal of MC College Barpeta Arjun Chandra Das.
Speaking as the chief guest in the function, Bashishtha Dev Sarma, the Burha Satriya of the historic Barpeta Satra said that the step initiated by Barpeta Shiromani Award Committee is a welcome step as it recognises the local talents. He hoped that the award will definitely inspire the young generation to be dedicated towards the cause of society, culture, education and literature.
Speaking on this occasion as a distinguished guest, Dr Babul Chandra Sahariya, District Development Commissioner, Barpeta said that Barpeta does not lack talent and genius and the step to recognise these talents will definitely lead to further creation of new talents.
In his speech, a feeble Jagannath Bayan, one of the recipients said that he was elated to win the award and considered himself fortunate to be honoured in his place of domicile.
Responding to bagging this award Arjun Chandra Das said that Barpeta society�s foundation was laid by the first satradhikar of Barpeta Satra, Mathuradas Burha Ata. �The influence of the satra is still prevalent in Barpeta though modernisation has come in and it is the only town where the people�s lives are still dominated by the satras,� he said. Das, known for his dedication to social service and benevolence said that he is not enticed to any award and donated the amount paid to him as part of the award to the committee presenting the award so that they can create a corpus.
The Barpeta Shiromani Award was introduced in the year 2017 by a group of enthusiasts related to various fields like literature, culture and journalism. Initially, it was proposed to that the award will be given every alternate year, but from last year it was decided that it will be given annually.
