HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, May 1: Sonitpur Journalists’ Union remembered noted journalist, social and cultural activist and former president of the Sonitpur Journalists’ Union, Pranab Sinha on his 13th death anniversary on Friday. On the occasion, the Pranab Sinha Memorial Award was conferred on noted social worker Mahendra Baruah in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the society.
The event featured a remembrance meeting and tribute ceremony attended by journalists, literary figures and members of various organisations. The programme was presided over by Union president Sanjib Hazarika, while senior journalist Pulak Kumar Deka conducted the proceedings.
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Distinguished attendees included noted short story writer Manik Bora, editor of the Tezpur-based weekly Ganakantha Dr Pranjit Hazarika, president of Baan Theatre Bankim Sarma, former president of the Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti Dr Charu Saharia Nath, litterateur Sushil Kurmi, Bhuban Chandra Gogoi, former president of Sonitpur Zila Sahitya Sabha Guna Kanta Barua and executive president of Tezpur Press Club Pankaj Baruah.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp before a portrait of the late Pranab Sinha by senior advocate Dulumoni Sinha. Members of the Union, journalists and representatives from various organisations paid floral tributes. Prior to the award presentation, the citation highlighting Mahendra Baruah’s contributions was read out by journalist Sangita Devi. Awardee Baruah, an 82-year-old social worker from Bahbari near Tezpur was felicitated with a traditional gamosa, cheleng chadar, memento, jaapi and the citation.
During the meeting Manik Bora reminisced about his early association with Sinha through the newspaper Mahajati, where many of his stories were published. Dr Pranjit Hazarika noted that since Sinha’s passing in 2014, the Union has been commemorating his legacy annually by recognising individuals from diverse fields. Dr Hazarika highlighted that Singha was not merely a journalist but also an active cultural figure closely associated with organisations like Sangeet Natakam and played a significant role in shaping the careers of many journalists. His contribution to grassroots reporting and his efforts to bring marginal voices to public attention were particularly emphasised. Sushil Kurmi and Dr Charu Saharia Nath, recalled Singha’s role in encouraging writers and promoting socially relevant literature. Bankim Sarma underlined Sinha’s contributions to Tezpur’s cultural and sports landscape. Bhuban Chandra Gogoi, Pankaj Barua and Guna Kanta Baruah in their speech recalled Sinha as a committed journalist who combined professional excellence with deep social responsibility and his contributions to different segments of the society of Tezpur.
Noted social worker Mahendra Baruah, receiving the award, said that honour was not only a recognition of his work but also of the greater Bahbari region. He attributed his good health and active life at the age of 82 to his continued engagement with several social, cultural, religious and educational organisations. Notably,Baruah has served for over 35 years as president of the historic Kaliya Gosain Than management committee and has been actively associated with institutions such as Bandarmari Hospital, Balishisha Sub-Health Centre, Bahbari Usha Natya Samaj, Bahbari Senior Citizens’ Society, Omeo Das Higher Secondary School and several development and religious committees.
