SUALKUCHI, April 28 � Distinguished folklore scholar and former professor of Gauhati University, Dr Nabin Sarma was conferred the Silpi Gandha Ram Bayan Award. Two others, namely Kanaklata Das, noted artist and social activist and former Satradhikar of Iswar Sri Sri Hati Satra, one of the oldest Vaishnavite temple of the village were awarded Soneswar Aatoi Bota and Sualkuchi Ratna Bota, while Budram Mahanta was conferred the award posthumously, which was received by Rajib Lochan Santa, present Satriya of the Satra.
In a function held on April 24 with Hem Chandra Bharali, president, Mahapurushiya Dharmolochani Sabha, Sankardev Mandir, Sualkuchi, in the chair, Natraj Kala Kendra, honoured the trio.
Receiving the award, Dr Nabin Sarma recalled the contributions of Silpi Gandha Ram Bayan in the field of Satriya culture and stressed the need of setting up a training centre in the name of Gandha Ram Bayan to spread among the younger generations the spirit of Gandha Ram Bayan, who dedicated his live in preserving the heritage of Satriya culture.
He said Sualkuchi comprising of many religious institutions of different class is the symbol of religious tolerance. People worship lord Vishnu by celebrating Doul Utsav and Ashakastami. Lord Vishnu is the core of religious harmony, he observed.