Nilmani Phukan who is known as Doyen of Assam Literature was honoured with the Jnanpith Award, highest literary award of India, in a glittering ceremony organised in Guwahati on 11th April 2022. Nilmani Phukan is the third Assamese poet, author and writer of Assam after Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya and Mamoni Raisom Goswami to win the prestigious award.
CM Sarma, alongside with chairperson of the Janpith selection board, Pratibha Ray handed over the prestigious award to the poet, for his great contribution in the world of Assamese literature.
Phukan addressed the gathering as ‘saponor surjyar manuh’, and stated after receiving the 56th Janpith Award, “if there is God somewhere he must be a human being. I am sitting or standing in front of that God”.
The award included a statue of Goddess Saraswati, a shawl and a shreephal and a cheque of 11 lakhs.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Hoimanta Biswa Sarma said, “Today the long wait of two decades is over. I feel honoured to hand over the award,” He added that “Phookan made every Assamese proud”.
Nilmani Phookanis an Indian born at Golaghat district of Assam on 13th September 1933, poet who writes in Assamese language. His work has symbolism which is inspired by French symbolism and representatives of the genre in Assamese poetry. His notable works include Surya Henu Nami Ahe Ei Nodiyedi, Gulaphi Jamur Lagna, and Kobita.
Nilmani Phukan who is known as Doyen of Assam Literature was honoured with the Jnanpith Award, highest literary award of India, in a glittering ceremony organised in Guwahati this Monday evening.
CM Dr. Sarma, alongside with chairperson of the Janpith selection board, Pratibha Ray handed over the prestigious award to the poet, for his great contribution in the world of Assamese literature.
Phukan addressed the gathering as ‘saponor surjyar manuh’, and stated after receiving the 56th Janpith Award, “if there is God somewhere he must be a human being. I am sitting or standing in front of that God”.
(The article is solely the opinion of the author. The views expressed here are solely personal and not in any way connected to any organisation or any political party ).
Student of 3rd Semester, CSJMC, DIBRUGARH UNIVERSITY