Assam: Senior Journalist Bhargab Kumar Das Honored with 2024 Narendra Deva Shastri Memorial Award in Tezpur

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR: The Narendra Deva Shastri Memorial Award is given for contributions towards literature, culture, journalism, and educational fields respectively. The award for the year 2024 was conferred on Senior Journalist Bhargab Kumar Das at a special function organized in connection with the 97th birth anniversary of the noted Sanskrit scholar and veteran journalist Narendra Deva Shastri by the Sonitpur Press Club, Tezpur at Tezpur Xahitya Xabha Bhawan.

The programme started with lighting of the earthen lamp by Kanaklata Devi, wife of late Narendra Deva Shastri, and daughter Himadri Sharma. It was followed by floral tributes to the portrait of Narendra Deva Shastri by Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rabha, Dr Pranjit Hazarika, and other dignitaries.

The award ceremony was held under the chairmanship of Subhash Chandra Biswas, president of the Sonitpur Press Club, and hosted by executive president Pankaj Baruah. The award, comprising a gamocha, aronai, a citation, and a cash-award, was presented by notable guests, including Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, Mangaldoi MLA Basanta Das, and District Commissioner Sonitpur Ankur Bharali.

In his speech, Bhargab Kumar Das reminisced about his deep connections with Tezpur and his involvement in the historic Assam Movement as a student leader in undivided Darrang district. Overcome with emotion, he recalled his experiences of incarceration during the movement and his early inspirations, especially from his father, freedom fighter Paniram Das, whose guidance shaped his journey into journalism and public life. He also reflected on the rich but lesser-known historical legacy of Darrang and Sonitpur districts.

Bhargava Kumar Das is a senior journalist from Mangaldoi with 37 years of experience in journalism and a former student leader. Das is also a prominent social worker, sportsperson, and activist.The veteran journalist started his career with The Sentinel on October 22, 1988. He became the first journalist in Assam to be detained under the TADA Act in 1990, serving seven months in prison. His contributions to journalism, student leadership, and community development are immense. He also served as the general secretary of the North Mangaldoi Students’ Union in 1979 and vice-president of Kalai Gaon Regional Students’ Union.

Das was also detained under the National Security Act in 1982 and subsequently involved in Assam socio-political movements. He also served founding roles in various organizations.

Sonitpur Press Club also paid special tributes to senior journalist Nathmal Tibrewal, eminent writer and poet Bipin Kotoki, and veteran physician Dr. Suren Gogoi for their significant contributions to their respective fields.

The event also celebrated two of the distinguished members for their recent achievements. President Subhash Chandra Biswas was felicitated for being awarded the Senior Journalist Award by the All-Asom Nepali Xahitya Xabha, and senior journalist Manoj Bora was congratulated for being invited as a speaker at an international conference held in New Delhi.

The event was graced by Mahendra Nath Keot, an eminent educationist, Dr Bhupen Saikia, President of the Sonitpur District Xahitya Xabha, and other dignitaries.

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