GUWAHATI, Feb 15 � Asam Sahitya Sabha president Rong Bong Terang on Wednesday presented the Basudev Jalan Memorial Award to noted educationist Taburam Taid at a function held here at the Lakhmiram Baruah Sadan.
The award presented every two years carries a memento, a citation, books and Rs 12,000. The award is conferred on an individual who has contributed towards the growth of language, literature and culture of the ethnic communities in the region.
Accepting the honour, Taid, who is known for his multifaceted personality � he is an educationist, lyricist and essayist � said that it was a happy moment for him as the apex literary body in the State has chosen him for the award.
Taid, associated with different activities for the betterment of the society, said that the Basudev Jalan Memorial Award was a right step towards building the bridge of understanding and unity amongst the different ethnic communities in the State and region. �The need of the hour is to create unity and amity amongst all the tribal groups in the region,� he stressed.
It needs to be mentioned here that Taid is also the founder president of Mising Sahitya Sabha. To his credit goes the compilation of the first dictionary in the Mising language.
Expressing concern that many languages across the globe have become endangered, Taid emphasized on preservation and promotion of the languages of the minority communities and mentioned that this initiative will actually realize the dream of building a greater Assam.
On the other hand, Rong Bong Terang while addressing the gathering mentioned about the contribution of other communities towards development of language, literature and culture of the State. �Without the support of the other communities, Assamese literature would not have flourished,� said Terang.
Dr Robin Dev Choudhury speaking on the occasion said that to build a greater Assamese society, the Sabha must ensure the inclusion of all the communities and give them equal opportunities.
