Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented the Srimanta Sankardev Award 2020 to eminent educationist and scholar Bhaba Prasad Chaliha at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati.

The award was received by Chaliha’s wife, Nandita Chaliha on behalf of the scholar.

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The chief minister also released a souvenir on the occasion.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, chief minister Sonowal said in order to spread the creations of Assam’s great Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev across the world, the state government has decided to carry out Srimanta Sankardev Abhijaan.

Chief minister Sonowal said, “To spread the immortal creations of the Gurujona across the globe, we have decided to take up Srimanta Sankardev Abhijaan. I urge everyone to come forward and work together to make the mission successful.”

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Speaking about the recipient of the award, the chief minister termed Bhaba Prasad Chaliha as a “researcher of rare distinction”.

“A researcher of rare distinction, Prof. Chaliha has rendered distinguished service in propagating the life, works and spiritual ideals of the Gurujona. On this auspicious day, I pray for his long, healthy & peaceful life,” Sonowal said.

Born at Naharkatia in Dibrugarh district, Bhaba Prasad Chaliha has made significant contributions to the Assamese society as a researcher.

He is also known as an exponent of Sankari culture.

Chaliha’s research works have gained recognition across the world.

He retired as the head of the Department of Assamese in Gauhati University in 1999.

The Assam government has conferred the Srimanta Sankardev Award 2020 in recognition of his immense contributions to the Assamese culture and society.

The award carries a citation, a sarai, an angabastra, a gold memento and a cheque of Rs 5 lakh.

Bhaba Prasad Chaliha in a video message said he was grateful to the people and the state government for conferring him the award.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Assam chief secretary Jishnu Baruah.

The event was also attended by Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and cultuaral affairs minister Naba Kumar Doley.