GUWAHATI, March 24 � Renowned poet and litterateur Bikash Sarkar was conferred the prestigious Jugasankha Literary Award-2010 yesterday, for his contributions to Bengali literature from the North East. This was stated in a press release.
The award is conferred every year by the Jugasankha Group to a distinguished literary figure, who has made outstanding contributions to the field of literature in the State.
The award, which has been constituted to commemorate the birth anniversary of Barta-Bhagirath Baidyanath Nath, the founder of the Jugasankha Group, includes a cheque of Rs 1 lakh, a citation, a medallion and a pen.
Sarkar was conferred with the Jugasankha literary award at the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture in Uzanbazar by the chairman of Sankha Press Pvt. Limited Bijoy Krishna Nath. Noted litterateurs Mamoni Roisom Goswami, Samaresh Mazumdar and Yasodhara Ray Choudhury were present at the award function.
Born in Gairkata, a suburb in Dooars region of North Bengal in the year 1965, Bikash Sarkar started writing poetry at a very early age. Later on, he also successfully tried his hand in writing features and essays. Recently two of his books, �Bishaadbalsk� and �Anantachhutor�, have been published by Ananda Publishers. Presently he is the editor of the Bengali monthly magazine �Mashik Jugasankha�.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Jnanpeeth awardee Mamoni Roisom Goswami hailed the efforts of the Jugasankha Group for its uninterrupted service to the region.
Noted litterateur and former Member of Parliament Jayashree Goswami Mahanta lauded the success of Sarkar despite initial struggles in his life.
Chairman of the Sankha Group of Publications, Bijoy Krishna Nath expressed hope that the award would inspire others in the field of Bengali literature.
