Harendra Chandra Borkakoti Award 2014 presented

An award for Vaishnavite literature, instituted in the memory of late Harendra Chandra Borkakoti, an ardent Vaishnavite and social activist was presented to Tilak Chandra Mazumdar on December 27 in the Kanaklal Barua Auditorium of Assam State Museum, Guwahati. Dr Hiren Gohain, President of by Asomiya Sahitya Sanmilani presided over the meeting. Dr Lakshyahira Das, the new President-elect of by Asomiya Sahitya Sanmilani gave away the award.

Tilak Chandra Mazumdar spoke a few words, about how the study of literary works of Srimanta Sankaradeva and others made him what he is today. Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, eldest son of Harendra Chandra Borkakoti thanked Asomiya Sahitya Sanmilani for instituting the award, saying that it was utmost necessary to revive the mainstream Assam literature that the Vaishnavite literature was, since Vaishnavite literature happened to be the foundation of Assam literature.

Litterateur Arun Sarma was present as distinguished guest. He spoke at length about the social responsibility of the authors, citing the example of Chandranath Sarma. An award in the memory of Chandranath Sarma was also presented in the function to the budding playwright Ramesh Haloi.

The meeting was graced by Dr Dilip Bora, Dr Golokeswar Goswami and Dr Mukul Chakravarty of Gauhati University, eminent author Dr Amarendra Narayan Dev from Mangaldoi, former Director of Cultural Affairs Sankar Prasad Kakoti Bora etc. Dr Hiren Gohain in his comment said that Vaishnavite writings of Srimanta Sankaradeva and others brought about massive reforms in the then Assam. He called upon people to shun superstition. Madhurjya Mandit Barua, General Secretary of Asomiya Sahitya Sanmilani offered vote of thanks.