GUWAHATI, Dec 17 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented the Bir Raghav Moran Award to folklorist and social worker Sukhidhar Dohutia at a function held at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here today.
The award consists of a memento, a sarai, angabastra and a cheque of Rs 2 lakh.
Speaking at the programme organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium, Sonowal said Bir Raghav Moran was a patriot and hero who put in selfless services to fulfill the aims and aspirations of the people belonging to the working class.
Terming that �work is worship�, Sonowal urged the younger generation to emulate the deeds and vision of Moran and dedicate themselves to the development of the State.
He said Assam was full of possibilities, and utilising these possibilities, the State can be launched in a stronger growth trajectory.
He said that Dohutia set an example of diligence and discipline, and set a growth trajectory not only for the people belonging to the Moran community but also for the State.
Sonowal said the State government has taken several steps for the development of all sections of the people, and adopted programmes like Sohodor.
Terming Raghav Moran an epitome of discipline and diligence, Sonowal said the rich language and culture of the Moran community were reflections of the democratic movement of that community.
He reiterated his government�s commitment to socio-economic and cultural development of ethnic communities of the State, and called upon people of all communities and ethnicities to work together to strengthen the bond of universal brotherhood existing in Assam.
Minister of State for Cultural Affairs Naba Kumar Doley said Raghav Morah was a man who thought intensely for his people.
Stating that the Moamoria rebellion sowed the seeds of real democracy, Doley said the role of Raghav Moran in that rebellion put him on a higher pedestal of a warrior and organiser.
Academician Dr Srishtidhar Dutta hailed the steps taken by the Sonowal government like instituting awards and celebrating days in the memory and honour of different personalities belonging to different ethnicities, which was in itself a symbol of national integration. He also highlighted several aspects of Bir Raghav Moran and the Moamoria rebellion.
MLAs Atul Bora and Bolin Chetia, Jyoti Chitraban Chairman Pabitra Margherita, State Level Advisory Committee for Students and Youth Welfare Member Secretary Lakhya Konwar, Commissioner and Secretary (Cultural Affairs) Preetom Saikia, Moran Sahitya Sabha president Tarun Moran, Asom Moran Sabha president Dulal Moran, Moran Students� Union president Arunjyoti Moran and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Sonowal also released a souvenir on the occasion.