- Nav Thakuria Conferred Devarshi Narad Award in Guwahati; Lakhyajit Gohain, Ranjita Rabha and Mridul Haloi Honoured

Guwahati, 07 June (HS): Senior journalist and advisor to Delhi Doordarshan, Prakhar Srivastava, on Sunday remarked that the publication and interpretation of half-truths pose a greater danger than outright mistakes in journalism. He made the observation while delivering the keynote address at the Devarshi Narad Jayanti celebration organised by Vishwa Samvad Kendra Assam at Sudarshanalaya in Barbari, Guwahati.

On the occasion, the prestigious Devarshi Narad Award was presented to veteran journalist and editor of Ishan Darpan, Nav Thakuria. Young journalists Lakhyajyoti Gohain of NK TV, Ranjita Rabha, Chief Reporter of Pratham Khabar, and Mridul Haloi, Associate Editor of Dainik Asam, were also felicitated for their contributions to journalism.

Addressing the gathering, Srivastava spoke on contemporary socio-political developments and historical narratives, stressing the importance of accuracy and context in journalism. Referring to the centenary year of the RSS, he discussed the organisation’s role during the Partition period and claimed that media coverage of the RSS had historically been limited despite its activities during that time.

Srivastava also referred to historical correspondence between former Defence Minister Baldev Singh and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel regarding relief efforts during Partition. He further made remarks concerning the political developments of the post-Independence period, including discussions surrounding the ban imposed on the RSS and the treatment of the Savarkar family after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.

Touching upon Assam’s demographic changes and migration-related issues, Srivastava also commented on the roles of several political figures in the state's historical developments.

The Devarshi Narad Award presented to Nav Thakuria included a cash prize of ₹50,000, a traditional Cheleng, a citation, a portrait of Bharat Mata and a collection of books. In his acceptance speech, Thakuria described Narad as an enduring inspiration for journalism, highlighting the relevance of questioning and constructive guidance in the profession.

Earlier, Vishwa Samvad Kendra Assam editor Kishore Shivam spoke on the life and teachings of Devarshi Narad, while organisation president Dr. Gauranga Sharma also addressed the gathering. A souvenir was released during the programme, and a Saraswati Vandana was presented by Triveni Buzarbaruah. The event, anchored by Nava Buzarbaruah, concluded with a vote of thanks by Guruprasad Medhi.

More than 300 people from different sections of society attended the programme.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash