GUWAHATI, Feb 26 - Veteran journalist and litterateur Homen Borgohain was today conferred the sixth Anairam Nunisa Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of journalism for his valuable contributions during his career as a journalist, spanning 45 years.
Justice DN Chowdhury, retired Judge of the Gauhati High Court, gave away the award at a function organised in the city in the presence of dignitaries.
The award carries a citation, seleng sador, Assamese and Dimasa gamosas, an eri jacket, a japi and Rs 30,000 in cash.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Justice (retired) Chowdhury dwelt on the writings of Borgohain, which he said reflect his concerns for humanity.
He also underlined the role that the media plays in creating a healthy society.
�The fourth estate is very vital in a democracy. It is a powerful tool. People trust it. Yes, sometimes it tends to slip. What is needed is self-discipline and self-restraint,� Chowdhury said.
Appreciating the efforts of the Nunisa family in keeping the memories of Anairam Nunisa alive, Borgohain said that though the State was full of talents in the field of journalism, due to various reasons, they are unable to give their fullest or perform their responsibilities.
�I have given 45 years of my life to journalism, only to be disappointed in the end. I could not do the kind of journalism which first attracted me to it. Underlining that the primary office of a newspaper is accurate news reporting, CP Scott had once said �Comments are free, but facts are sacred.� Nobody is following it here,� he said, admitting that low wages was a primary reason for journalism not meeting its objectives in the State.
He said integrity, decency and powerful ideology are the characteristics of a good newspaper.
�Journalism is not just a livelihood. It has a sacred objective. It is a meditation, a search for truth,� he added.
Earlier, Late Anairam Nunisa�s eldest son ML Nunisa delivered the opening remarks and spoke about the history of the Dimasa tribe.
Ramesh Thaosen provided an insight into Anairam Nunisa�s life.
Two books � Pradeep Kumar Barman�s poetry collection Asomiya Limerick and Girish Dutta�s Anotkoi Besi Saman (a translation work) � were also released on the occasion, besides a souvenir titled Gandharb.
Former recipient of the award, prominent journalist DN Bezboruah was also present on the occasion, among others.
