GUWAHATI, Nov 21 - �Biren da was a torchbearer for me. His works used to inspire me since my school days. Till date, I have always tried to follow his journalistic ideology,� Pradip Baruah, publisher and editor of Assamese fortnightly magazine Prantik, observed this while receiving the Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya Award-2020 at a function at Rabindra Bhawan this evening.
The award is an initiative of the State Cultural Affairs department and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conferred the award which carries a cash of Rs 2 lakh, a shawl and a citation on Baruah for his contribution to journalism in the State. Recalling Dr Bhattacharyya'�s literary contributions, Baruah said, �Mrityunjay novel had begun a revolution in Assam. Its success again inspired our readers towards Assamese literature. After it had received the Jnanpith Award, around 10,000 copies of the novel got sold within a very short span of time.�
Conferring the award, the Chief Minister termed Dr Bhattacharyya as the real Gandhian who had enriched the Assamese society through his literary works.
Appreciating award-recipient Pradip Baruah, Sonowal said, �Prantik had started a revolution in Assam through its unique style of journalism. It covers various topics ranging from literature to current affairs and humour to science. Many even take its help while preparing for competitive examinations. This magazine has been contributing a lot towards Assam�s social life. I would like to appeal to Pradip Baruah to establish Prantik as a platform of new thinking for our new generation.�
Sonowal also announced that the State Government will construct a Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya memorial home and will also set up a statue of the legend soon.
Cultural Affairs minister Naba Kumar Doley, Guwahati Development Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Commissioner and Secretary of Cultural Affairs department Pritam Saikia and its director Bishnu Kamal Bora were also present on the occasion.
In the function, Dr Bhattacharyya's son Dr Dipankar Bhattacharyya and daughter Juri Bhattacharyya also recalled their father�s life and works.
