GUWAHATI, Aug 17 - Wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman who has been working consistently on the conservation of the endangered greater adjutant stork (locally known as hargila), was conferred the fourth Yamin Hazarika Women of Substance Award-2018 at a function here recently.
The award celebrates the life of Late Yamin Hazarika, a 1977-batch DANIPS (NCT of Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service) officer.
The event started with screening of a short film showcasing the life of Yamin Hazarika and the journey of four years of the Yamin Hazarika Women of Substance Award.
Kuladhar Saikia, Director General of Police, Assam, was the chief guest on the occasion and Dr Aparna Sharma, documentary filmmaker and Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, was the guest of honour. Shameem Hazarika, mother of Yamin Hazarika was also present on the occasion.
Saikia, in his speech, highlighted the burning issues of society, including the use of social media and spread of rumours and said, �Nowadays we are more inclined towards digital connectivity than emotional connectivity. Social media has both good and bad effects, one has to be aware about the real and fake messages.�
He also deliberated on the rising violence among the public who take the law into their own hands without even thinking about the consequences. �What happens in the society is sure to come back to our home. Instead of stopping the crime we are clapping or encouraging to attack people on the streets,� he added.
Purnima Devi Barman gave an account of her efforts towards involving communities � including Hargila Army, a group of local women � in the conservation of the endangered bird. �I am honoured to receive the Yamin Hazarika Award, and dedicate it to my Hargila Army. This will definitely inspire the young brigade to work for society,� she said.
Writer Indrani Raimedhi�s book Crime, Justice and Women which was dedicated to Yamin Hazarika, was released on the occasion.
Earlier, a panel discussion was organised on the theme, �Is social media dividing the society, instead of uniting it?� It was moderated by Reshma NC Shah, education consultant. The panellists included Durba Ghosh, senior journalist, PTI; Nahid Islam, psychiatrist, GNRC and Arpana Sharma, Circle Officer, Hajo circle.
Teresa Rehman, journalist and author, deliberated on the completion of four years of the Yamin Hazarika Women of Substance Award. Educationist Nellie Ahmed Tanweer also spoke at the event.
