Guwahati: The Cultural Journalists’ Association of Assam (CJAA) organised a memorial meeting and tribute programme at the Guwahati Press Club on September 5 to remember noted cultural journalist, writer, screenwriter and filmmaker Nimananda Das.
Also read: Cine-journalist Nimananda Das dies in road accident in Majuli
The programme brought together journalists, filmmakers, actors, cultural activists and well-wishers, who recalled Das’s contributions to cultural journalism, Assamese cinema and the wider cultural landscape of the state.
Presided over by CJAA president Bitopan Borbora, the meeting featured tributes from noted film directors Sanjib Sabhapandit and Chandra Mudoi, actor-director Baharul Islam and several others, who shared memories of Das and reflected on his professional and creative journey.
Speaking at the event, Baharul Islam proposed that the CJAA institute an annual ‘Cultural Journalism Award’ to recognise outstanding contributions to cultural journalism.
Islam also offered to personally bear the expenses for instituting the award, a gesture that was welcomed by the association.
The CJAA said it was already considering the introduction of an award to recognise excellence in cultural journalism. Following Islam’s proposal, the association expressed gratitude for his support and commitment to the field.
The association said it would finalise the award’s name, eligibility criteria, guidelines and selection process before making an official announcement.
The memorial programme also saw participation from several prominent figures from Assam’s cultural and media fraternity, including filmmaker Hiren Bora, actors Bhagirathi and Meena Ingti, journalists Sibanu Bora, Achyut Kumar Patowary and Amarendra Deka, and producer-distributor Rajesh Kumar More.
The event honoured Das’s lasting contribution to cultural journalism while highlighting the need for greater recognition of journalists documenting and promoting Assam’s cultural heritage.