Playwright Hemant Dutta conferred ‘Samaj Shiromoni’ award on Darrang Divas

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: ”During the Non-cooperation Movement of India’s freedom struggle in 1920-21, Pandit Dineshwar Sharma, the first Assamese to resign from a government job, endure imprisonment, and establish a national school, was truly a towering figure of Darrang. He was also a legendary freedom fighter, social reformer, historian, playwright, actor, journalist, and practitioner of Byas Sangeet. Since 2020, his birthday has been celebrated as ‘Darrang Divas,’ a truly commendable initiative. Through this, a deserving individual is being duly honoured,” said Dr Angiras, a Professor of Mangaldai College.

In a public meeting held on Wednesday afternoon at the Science Gallery of Mangaldai College, chaired by Dr Nareshwar Sharma, General Secretary of Karunadhara Trust, Dr Angiras presented a brief review of ‘Mangaldair Buranji’ stating that the book, authored by Dineshwar Sharma, is a documented record of Darrang’s history.

The Darrang Divas celebration began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr Kamala Kanta Borah, Principal of Mangaldai College, and garlanding by former Legislator Gurujyoti Das. Madhav Sharma, President of the Organizing Committee, delivered the welcome address, while Secretary Hitesh Hazarika explained the objectives of the event. During the ceremony, the 4th ‘Samaj Shiromani’ Award was conferred on distinguished playwright, director, lyricist, and actor Hemant Dutta. The event also honoured the Chief Editor of ‘Mangal Batori’ Prashant Baruah, litterateur Tapeshwar Sharma, dancer Kandarp Sharma, and posthumously, retired Principal of Mangaldai College Bichitra Kumar Medhi with the ‘Darrang Gaurav’ Award. Special felicitations were given to entrepreneur Mukul Chandra Deka, Ajit Sharma, and Kiriti Bora. Sipajhar Legislator Dr Paramananda Rajbongshi unveiled Darrang Prabha, edited by Hitesh Hazarika. Padma Shri recipient Dr Ilias Ali, former Legislator Binanda Kumar Saikia, and Jyotish Sharma, Special Duty Officer at Assam Skill University, also addressed the celebration.

Earlier in the morning, lamp lighting and garlanding ceremonies were held at the freedom fighters’ memorial site at Byaspara in Sipajhar.

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