GUWAHATI, Feb 28 � Four promising young writers of the State were presented with the coveted Munin Barkotoki awards for the years 2013 and 2014 for their literary works. The award function was organized along with the central event of the Munin Barkotoki centenary celebrations at Vivekenanda Kendra here today.
For the year 2013, Apu Bharadwaj received the award for his prose collection Mastiskar Cinema, while Mridul Haloi won the award for his poetry collection Akole Aso Kushole Aso.
For the year 2014, Tulika Saikia was chosen for the award for her history-based book Sarisal Gosanir Tej and Dibyajyoti Bora got the award for his poetry collection Topanit.
Each of the awards carries a citation, a plaque, books, a bouquet and a cash award of Rs 45,000. The amount of cash award would be increased to Rs 50,000 from next year.
In addition, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Pankaj Dutta for Phugu Masor Masuwoi. Chandana Pathak, another writer chosen for the same award, was not present in the award ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, eminent poet Nilamani Phukan recalled his close association with Munin Barkotoki, a multifaceted personality closely associated with literature, culture and journalism.
Exhorting the young writers to keep up the good work, he said that the writers can see an entire universe around them and express it through their pens.
President of the award function, eminent writer and researcher of folk culture, Birendranath Dutta lauded the role played by the Munin Barkotoki Memorial Trust in keeping alive the memories of the writer and encouraging young writers through the awards. Wife of Munin Barkotoki and eminent social worker, Renuka Devi Barkotoki was also present on the occasion.
A book on the former Munin Barkotoki awardees was released by poet Hirendra Nath Dutta. Earlier, Upen Barkotoki delivered the welcome speech.
A book exhibition of the Munin Barkotoki awardees and also the books written by Munin Barkotoki was held on the occasion. A documentary on the life and works of Munin Barkotoki, produced by eminent filmmaker Prabin Hazarika, was screened after the award ceremony.
