Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal handed over the 4th Sons of the Soil award for 2022 to five individuals who made their mark in their respective fields of profession.
The recipients are Bandita Baruah for Arts & Culture, Udit Gogoi for Sports, Diganta Saikia & Vardaan Saikia for their entrepreneurial venture; Dr Manabendra Saharia for Professional category and Mitali Konwar on the Media Professional category.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also presented the Kishori Mohan Das Memorial Social Sector Development Award to Dr Puniram Patar, who is the first physician from the Tiwa community. After serving people for more than three decades, Dr Patar continued to serve people through organising free health check camps and extending medical support to people affected by the floods.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be present here today with all these wonderful personalities whose contribution to the society has made a positive impact on our lives. I feel humbled to have the opportunity to hand over this wonderful award in recognition of their invaluable work towards making a positive impact in the society. As we move ahead in this Amrit Kaal, it is but important to remember that we have a goal to become Atmabirbhar by 2047 – a vision of our beloved Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Today, with the recognition of these eminent persons, it makes a perfect spiel for all of us emulate and get inspired. Every one of you has wafted a story of success made out of hard work, dedication, devotion and commitment to their work. It tells us that no matter what, if we remain true to our intent, the dawn of success is only a matter of time. Let us all join hands to commit to work towards building a new India, a resurgent India, a strong India and an atmanirbhar India.”
The event also witnessed honouring of leading personalities of Assam like Meghalee Bora (Jorhat) for her pioneering work in food processing of local ethnic products and exemplary services in entrepreneurship, Shri Pradip Kumar Brahma for his contribution towards football and as coach from Kokrajhar, eminent Actor Bishnu Khargoria; wildlife conservationist Dr Hilloljyoti Singha as well as senior journalist Prabir Chakrabarty. The event was also attended by Prashanta Phukan, MLA, Dibrugarh; Prof Jiten Hazarika, Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University; Rituparna Baruah, Chairman, Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC); Prof Sanjib Kakoti, Principal of Assam Medical College (AMC); among other eminent personalities.
Bandita Baruah (Art & Culture): Bandita Baruah became very popular with the song “Phool Phulibor Botor Ahil” from the film “Bonoriya Phool”, recorded online during COVID lockdown. Trained by her father Aseem Barua, Bandita is popular for her rendition of old Assamese songs, and so far, has recorded over 200 songs from old Assamese movies and original tracks. She is currently pursuing MA in Assamese from Gauhati University.