GUWAHATI, Nov 11 � The first Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya Award, 2009, instituted by the State Directorate of Cultural Affairs, was presented to Radhika Mohan Bhagawati, eminent journalist and the Editor of Assamese daily Dainik Asam today.
The award has been instituted in the name of Birendra Kumar Bhatttacharya, the first Assamese author to get the coveted Jnanpith award for his novel Mrityunjoy in 1979.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi presented the award to Bhagawati at a function held at Rabindra Bhawan. The award consists of a sorai, a shawl, a citation and a cheque for Rs 2 lakh.
Bhagawati started his career with the regional daily, Natun Asomiya in 1958. He joined the editorial team of famous Assamese magazine Ramdhenu in 1960 and later on became the editor of the same. Moreover, he was also the founder editor of three newspapers, including one in Hindi.
He has to his credit 15 books that include novels, short stories and books on journalism. He also won the Sahitya Akademi (translation) Award in the year 1992. It can be noted here that Bhagawati also received the Siva Prasad Barooah National Award yesterday for his contributions in the field of journalism.
While speaking on the occasion, Bhagawati stressed the need to raise the credibility of media. �Credibility comes from commitment to the society and the people. Just by improving the marketing strategy we cannot ensure the credibility of the newspapers. It is the responsibility of the journalist fraternity to bring back people�s faith on media,� he said.
�Assam has a glorious tradition of journalism that should be maintained by the media organizations today,� he further mentioned.
The Chief Minister while speaking on the occasion said that Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya was an eminent litterateur, social activist and journalist, and people of Assam feel proud that such a dynamic leader was born here. He also lauded Radhika Mohan Bhagawati for his valuable contributions in the field of journalism and literature.
Bharat Chandra Narah, State Cultural Affairs Minister, while speaking at the function said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the State government has instituted as many as 11 awards in the names of eminent personalities of the State to encourage people doing good work in various fields.
Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya was one of the most respected Assamese novelists and short story writers of all times. He also served as the president of Asam Sahitya Sabha, the apex literary body in Assam.
The important works of Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya include Rajpathe Ringiai, Aai, Shatagni and Iyaruingam, which got him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award.
