GUWAHATI, April 17 � In the run up to the birth centenary celebration of eminent Assamese litterateur and Parliamentarian Hem Barua on April 22, the Hem Barua Trust honoured Debasish Sarma of Deepsikha Cancer Care Foundation and Gobinda Chandra Bordoloi, headmaster of Madhya Mayong Vidyalaya, Morigaon with the Hem Barua Award for exceptional work in their respective fields.
In a programme organised today, the contributions of Hem Barua in furthering the cause of the State was recalled by the speakers of the programme along with the need to spread awareness among the people about those who laid down their lives for the State and its people.
Releasing a book Mor Chinaki Manuhjon written by Ham Barua�s wife Anu Barua, GMDA Chairman Dhiren Barua recalled his close association with the courageous Parliamentarian. He also explained about Barua�s role in the Oil Refinery Movement and along with a brief history of the movement.
�His every act was driven by public interest,� added Dhiren Barua.
Lamenting the fact that people, especially the government was not doing enough to pay befitting tributes to the stalwarts like Gopinath Bordoloi, Hem Barua and many others, public activist and president of today�s meeting Professor Deven Dutta said that it was the responsibility of the State government to celebrate the occasion on April 22 in a grand manner.
�It is unfortunate that the onus still lies on the family members to organise programmes for remembering persons like Hem Barua. Rather, it should have been a programme of every person who loves Assam,� he added.
In his acceptance speech Debasish Sarma, who is also the Deputy Resident Commissioner of the Assam Bhawan, Mumbai stressed the need to create more awareness about the seven warning signs of cancer. He received the award on behalf of the entire Deepshikha team. �Cancer care needs a helping hand from each one of us. No one should think that cancer would not affect their lives. The high incidence of cancer in the region is a major cause of concern,� he added.
Gobinda Chandra Bordoloi, who was given the award for his silent and tireless efforts in the field of education in a rural area, expressed his gratitude for honouring him with the award in the name of a personality like Hem Barua.
Educationist Udayaditya Bharali, while speaking on the occasion stressed the need for a well-compiled history of the socialist movement in the State. �We cannot blame the younger generations for not doing enough for remembering our stalwarts. It is also the responsibility of those who were closely associated with this movement to preserve the records. Even the political writings of the socialist leaders are not to be found,� he mentioned.
Former education minister of State, Ramani Barman, while addressing the gathering spoke about the political conspiracy to defeat Ham Barua in the election. He also expressed concern on the tendency of people to forget a great personality like Hem Barua.
