GUWAHATI, Sept 12 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented the Silpi-Sainik Brajanath Sharma Memorial Award, 2017 to eminent music director of Assamese mobile theatre Dasharath Das in a programme held at Bornagar Jurram Pathak HS & MP School playground at Sarbhog in Barpeta district today. The award carries an anga bastra, sarai, a citation and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. The award ceremony was organised by the Cultural Affairs Department in association with Barpeta district administration. This was stated in an official press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, �Silpi-Sainik Brajanath Sharma was a multi-faceted personality. He was not only an actor, dramatist or a freedom fighter but was also an inspiration to generations of people across the State. The youth of the State must emulate his ideals and commit themselves to strengthen the socio-cultural edifice of the State so that Assam can shine in the global arena overcoming all challenges of the 21st century. This will also be a fitting tribute to this legendary personality.�
Underlining the importance of ingraining the youth of the State with scientific temperament and positive attitude, Chief Minister Sonowal stated that knowledge of science and technology is a prerequisite to make Assam one of the best States of the nation. �If we want to be the best, it is possible only through hard work and dedication. Brajanath Sharma judiciously used his time and devoted himself in the field of art and culture. He also actively took part in the Freedom Struggle. He is an inspiration for all of us and we must emulate his ideals to rekindle the sense of nationalism among us,� Sonowal said.
The Chief Minister also released a souvenir along with Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley on the occasion.
Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley, local MLA and former Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Ranjit Dass and awardee Dasharath Das also spoke on the occasion. Director, Cultural Affairs Deba Prasad Mishra delivered the welcome speech.
MLAs Ashok Sharma, Gunindra Das, Ashok Singhal, Commissioner & Secretary of Cultural Affairs Department Pritom Saikia, Deputy Commissioner Thaneswar Malakar, Arun Sharma, younger son of Brajanath Sharma, social worker Phani Pathak, Shankar Das were present along with several other dignitaries at the award ceremony.
Prior to the award ceremony, Chief Minister Sonowal laid the foundation stone of Silpi-Sainik Brajanath Sharma Statue and Memorial Auditorium to be set up at the office campus of Bornagar ex-Sainik Santha of Uttar Ganakgari village of Sarbhog in Barpeta district.