GUWAHATI, Oct 17 - Eminent journalist Radhika Mohan Bhagawati gave a call for conferring the Bharat Ratna on the architect of modern Assam, Singhapurush Radha Govinda Baruah, whose larger-than-life persona continues to inspire successive generations.
Speaking as the chief guest at a function organised to celebrate the 115th birth anniversary of RG Baruah here, Bhagawati stressed that though his deeds are widely discussed, yet his vision and ideology should be seen in a larger perspective.
�A universal personality, he dreamt of a greater Assamese society and the thought leading to the establishment of The Assam Tribune, Dainik Asam and Asom Bani was to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of entire Assam irrespective of different segments of the society,� he added, asking the Union Government to act for a wider recognition to his ideology to unite people by conferring the Bharat Ratna. He also proposed a full-length film on the life of Singhapurush.
Two eminent sportsmen, former athlete Bhogeswar Baruah and footballer Santosh Goswami, and prominent actor Biju Phukan were felicitated on the occasion.
Whereas both the sportsmen lauded the RG Baruah Smriti Rakhya Committee for honouring them in the name of the Singhapurush, Biju Phukan recalled his personal association with RG Baruah.
The prizes of the RG Baruah Memorial Art Competition were also distributed on the occasion.
In his speech, eminent journalist and president of the committee DN Chakravartty, who also presided over the function, said that the champion of modern management RG Baruah epitomized efficiency, hard work and courage.
�In the present state of confusion and turmoil, where people of Assam are wary of the looming danger on their identity, RG Baruah is a great example to follow. With a population and area bigger than some of the nations of this world, we must understand that the identity of Assamese is not going to vanish. However, we must acquire the required efficiency to ascertain it in a stronger way. The ideology of RG Baruah � a man ahead of his times � must be emulated to achieve this greater goal,� he added.
Earlier, the working president of the committee, Balendra Mohan Chakravarty delivered the welcome speech, where he remembered the projects pioneered by RG Baruah. Chakravarty also lauded the role of RG Baruah�s son and Editor of The Assam Tribune PG Baruah in furthering the cause of his father. �A sports and cultural project initiated by PG Baruah will be of great help to the budding sportspersons and culture lovers of Guwahati and the rest of the State,� he added.
