Celebrating excellence in art, translation, environmental activism, and cultural preservation, the 2023 Golok Samman honours four trailblazers whose contributions uplift Assam's heritage and inspire future generations of creators and changemakers. The #Newsdesk reports.

The 2023 Golok Samman ceremony in Guwahati celebrated the remarkable achievements of four honourees—Rajesh Duttabarua, Avantika Parashar, Dr. Sanjib Bora, and Dr. Baburam Shaikia. Recognized for their contributions to environmental activism, translation, art, and Satriya culture, these awardees continue to inspire change and preserve Assam's rich cultural legacy. The event, held at the Guwahati Press Club, drew prominent figures from across the region, reflecting the importance of supporting artistic and social contributions. Discover how these trailblazers are shaping the future of Assam through art, culture, and environmental activism.

Guwahati, October 4: Golok Samman was awarded to four distinguished individuals for their contributions to art, translation, and social work at a ceremony held at the Guwahati Press Club. The event celebrated environmental activist Rajesh Duttabarua (Nalbari), artist Dr Sanjib Bora (Guwahati), translator Avantika Parashar (Jorhat), and Satriya artist-researcher Dr. Baburam Shaikia (Guwahati).

A Tribute to Avantika Parashar’s Literary Contributions

Abantika Parashar made her debut as a translator with Edith Nesbit's The Railway Children. She has since published several books, including King Solomon’s Mine and The Autobiography of Martin Luther King. Her original short stories such as Sonti Chinmoy Hotor Kathare, Akashar Tora, and Jakaichukat Jonakir Jilmil have garnered attention. With a master's degree in History from Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, and another in Museum Science from the Indian Institute of Heritage, Parashar currently serves as the District Museum Officer. As an executive member of the Indian Sub-Committee of the International Council of Museums, she continues to make her mark on the global stage. She has several upcoming works, including a collection of Rava folk tales and translations of My Gita by Devdutt Pattnaik and India’s Braveheart by Lt. Gen. Satish Dua.

A Multifaceted Artist, Environmental Warrior and other winners

Artist Dr. Sanjib Bora has illustrated over 2,000 books for leading publications and institutions in India’s North East. His works include hundreds of children’s books, notably the Assamese edition of The Bird with Golden Wings. Beyond books, Bora has contributed to campaigns for Save the Children-UNICEF, created logos for various industries, and designed film posters and name cards. His expertise spans both handicrafts and digital media, and he currently serves as art editor of Anyayug magazine. Dr Bora holds a postgraduate degree in Modernism and Assamese Short Stories from the University of Guwahati and is a Senior Research Fellow at UGC. He now works as an Assistant Professor at Krishnakanta Handique State Open University and resides in Guwahati.

Rajesh Duttabarua has been championing environmental causes since 2012, raising awareness about the harmful effects of carbon emissions and plastic pollution. He is noted for introducing a mobile dustbin to combat waste and has led efforts to preserve Assam’s rivers, conserve the tiger (the state aquatic animal), and address human-elephant conflicts. A recipient of the 2019 ‘Green Mitra’ award from the Assam Sahitya Sabha, Duttabarua’s commitment to environmental conservation extends through his NGO, The Green Globe, founded in 2014.

Dr Baburam Shaikia is a dedicated practitioner of Satriya dance, drama, and music, having conducted workshops across the globe, including in France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, and Bhutan. He holds a PhD in Folklore from the University of Tartu, Estonia, and has served as a visiting international scholar in the USA and Ireland. Currently an Assistant Professor at Shrimanta Sankardev University’s Department of Performing Arts, Dr. Shaikia continues to publish research and is recognized internationally for his contributions.

Abantika Parashar and Dr. Baburam Shaikia were unable to attend the event. Their awards were accepted by their fathers, Binod Bhagabati and Manik Saikia, respectively.

Legacy of Golok Chandra Datta

In her keynote address, the chief guest, former Vice Chancellor of Assam Mahila Bishwabidyalay, Dr Malini Goswami, honoured the legacy of Golok Chandra Datta, the silent artist and social worker. She emphasized, "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 thanked the organisers for recognising such impactful contributors, noting how the Golok Samman not only honours individual achievements but encourages future societal, artistic, and cultural contributions.

Event Highlights and Key Personalities

The event, anchored by previous year’s recipient and journalist Manjit Rajkonwar, saw Dhananjit Das of the UD Foundation welcoming the attendees. Dr Subhra Kinkar Goswami, a noted writer and ophthalmologist, shared personal anecdotes about Golok Chandra Datta’s influence on modern Nalbari’s development, especially his love for books and music.

In a conversation with Rajkonwar, the awardees shared their gratitude and reflections on receiving the Golok Samman. The event saw a gathering of distinguished guests including publishers Ananta Hazarika and Pritima Kaushik Barua, academician Dr. Prateeti Barman, singer Manisha Hazarika, actor Hemant Devnath, and drama director Nayan Prasad.

The Golok Samman trophy and logo were designed by renowned artist Sourish Mitra and crafted by Biju Das, a prominent state artist. City-based enterprise Rainsoft was responsible for the event’s publishing and decoration work, adding to the ceremony’s aesthetic and significance.