Pathfinders

The Assam government’s initiative to recognize and honour a number of persons every year for their outstanding contribution in various fields has completed two years. As the government conferred the state civilian awards—Assam Baibhav, Assam Saurabh, and Assam Gaurav—on 21 persons from various fields, it also caused a ripple effect by way of spreading the message that there is government recognition for good work and hard work. The awards initiative is also a process of inspiration for those already working in various fields, apart from encouraging others to indulge in activities that not only bring them economic benefits but also government recognition. Looking at the profiles of the award-winners, one finds that each one of them has done something exceptional, and that too in a continuous manner, which has brought about positive changes in the society as a whole, apart from changing the lives of countless people. Dr Tapan Kumar Saikia, the lone winner of Assam Baibhav, the highest award, for instance, has contributed immensely towards cancer cure as well as generating cancer awareness in Assam. Since cancer has been a major killer disease in Assam, prevention and cure need to be top priorities. The contributions of the other winners—five Assam Saurabh and 15 Assam Gaurav—cover a wide range of activities. These include successfully running for a long time the largest commercial moving theatre companies of the state, innovative research on coal, fish-rearing, producing broiler chicks in large numbers, growing premium ethnic export-quality tea, setting a trend for commercial botanical nurseries, promoting eco-tourism, helping women self-help groups, sericulture research, and converting the traditional Xatriya mask-making art form into a commercial and career proposition. At least two outstanding sportspersons—ace footballer Gilbertson Sangma, a hero of yesteryear, and Commonwealth Games gold-medal bowler Nayanmoni Saikia—have also found place on the list of awardees. On the other hand, the stories of two other women who have been honoured are simply amazing. While ASHA worker Sila Gowala has ensured 100 percent institutional delivery and zero maternal and infant mortality in her area of operation, Dhritimala Deka has so far conducted the cremation of over 300 human bodies. These outstanding stories need to be told and retold to the people in general and young high school students in particular, so that the latter grow up to be responsible citizens who can contribute towards the overall welfare and development of the state.