The 2023 ‘Golok Samman’ was presented to four distinguished individuals for their contributions to art, translation, and social work during a ceremony held at the Guwahati Press Club this evening. The event honoured environmental activist Rajesh Duttabarua (Nalbari), Artist Dr. Sanjib Bora (Guwahati), translator Avantika Parashar (Jorhat) and Satriya artist-researcher Dr. Baburam Shaikia (Guwahati).
Abantika Parashar debuted with a translation of Edith Nesbit’s “The Railway Children.” She has also published several books, including “King Solomon’s Mine” and “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King.” Her original collections of short stories include “Sonti Chinmoy Hotor Kathare,” “Akashar Tora,” and “Jakaichukat Jonakir Jilmil.” She holds a master’s degree in History from Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, and a master’s in Museum Science from the Indian Institute of Heritage. Currently, she is working as the District Museum Officer. Parashar is an Executive Member of the Indian Sub-Committee of the International Council of Museums, the world’s highest body on museums. Some of her upcoming books include a collection of Rava folk tales called “Lecheri Butala Sadhu,” “My Gita” by Devdutt Pattnaik, and a translation of the autobiography “India’s Braveheart” by Lt. Gen. Satish Dua. She currently resides in Jorhat with her husband, Rupak Sharma.
Dr. Sanjib Bora has illustrated over 2,000 special books for leading publications in the North East and various institutions in India. He has also illustrated hundreds of children’s books, including the Assamese edition of ‘The Bird with Golden Wings’. Bora is involved in several projects, including ‘Save the Children- UNICEF’, as well as logo-branding for many institutions and industries. Additionally, he has painted posters and name cards for several films. Bora works in various visual art forms, mastering both handicrafts and digital media. He is also the art editor of Anyayug magazine. Bora holds a postgraduate degree in Modernism and Assamese Short Stories from the University of Guwahati as a Senior Research Fellow, UGC. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at Krishnakanta Handique State Open University and resides in Guwahati with his wife Pallavi Mahanta and daughter Maupia.
Rajesh Duttabarua is an environmental activist who has been working since 2012 to raise awareness about the ecological damage caused by excessive carbon dioxide emissions and carbon footprint in the atmosphere. He has also played a significant role in preventing plastic pollution by addressing the issues caused by disposable plastics. One of his successful contributions is the introduction of a mobile dustbin. He is deeply involved in various environmental awareness activities, including preventing pollution of the rivers of Assam, conserving the tiger (the state aquatic animal of Assam), snake rescue and awareness, and mitigating elephant-human conflicts. In 2019, he was awarded the ‘Green Mitra’ award by the Assam Sahitya Sabha. In 2014, he led the formation of The Green Globe, a non-governmental organization. He lives in Nalbari with his wife, Reena Doley.
Dr. Baburam Shaikia is a full-time practitioner of Satriya dance, drama, and music. He has conducted workshops on Satriya culture in various countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Estonia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and several states in India. Dr. Shaikia holds a PhD in Folklore from the Institute of Cultural Research at the University of Tartu, Estonia. He has also served as a visiting international scholar at the Centre for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society at Elon University, USA, and the National University of Ireland. Dr. Saikia has published research articles in several international publishing houses. He grew up in a satra in Majuli and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Performing Arts at Shrimanta Sankardev University. Dr. Shaikia now resides in Guwahati.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Parashar and Dr. Shaikia could not attend. Binod Bhagabati, the father of Abantika Parasha and Manik Saikia, the father of Dr Babruram Saikia accepted the awards on their behalf.
In her keynote address, the chief guest, former Vice Chancellor of Assam Mahila Bishwabidyalay, author Dr. Malini Goswami, emphasised the legacy of Golok Chandra Datta, a revered silent artist-worker, stating, “Golok Chandra Datta’s life was a testament to dedication in the fields of art, culture, and social service. His quiet yet profound contributions inspire those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.” Dr. Goswami also expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising the significant impact of these silent workers, highlighting the importance of such social recognition. Awards like the ‘Golok Samman’ not only honour individual achievements but also play a crucial role in encouraging future contributions to society, art, and culture through recognition and support, instilling hope for a brighter future.
The event was anchored by journalist Golok Samman, the recipient of the previous year, Manjit Rajkonwar. Dhananjit Das, an associate with the UD Foundation, welcomed the attendees on behalf of the Foundation. Dr. Subhra Kinkar Goswami, a noted writer and ophthalmologist, spoke about Datta’s influence on the development of modern Nalbari and his deep passion for books and music. Dr. Goswami shared anecdotes from his youth, recalling how Datta’s work shaped his perspective.
The awardees at the ceremony shared their thoughts and reflections in a conversation with Rajkonwar, expressing their gratitude and inspiration from receiving the Golok Samman.
The event was attended by prominent figures across various fields, including publishers Ananta Hazarika and Pritima Kaushik Barua, academician Dr. Prateeti Barman, singer Manisha Hazarika, actor Hemant Devnath, drama director Nayan Prasad, recitation artist Aboni Bora, and researcher Pranjal Majumdar.
The trophy and logo were designed by Sourish Mitra, a well-known artist, and crafted by Biju Das, a prominent artist of the state. Rainsoft, a city-based enterprise, designed and executed the publishing and decoration work.
