"Unsung heroes" of Assamese cinema awarded in Guwahati
Guwahati: The "Unsung Heroes" awards were presented to veteran actress Hira Neog, technician Nirmal Deka, and spot boy Aminul Haque at a ceremony held at the Sudmersen Hall of Cotton University in Guwahati on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, State Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota lauded Assam for its rich cultural heritage.
“Assam is a fertile land for cultural creation that has spawned unique ideas,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Jeevan Ram Mungi Devi Goenka Public Charitable Trust and its managing trustee, veteran producer Shankar Lall Goenka, for their initiative in recognizing these unsung heroes.
Dr. Kota also commended the Trust for sponsoring a three-day "Creativity" Workshop through Cinematic Arts, conducted by acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua. The Unsung Heroes Award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each for the winners and a trophy.
Principal Secretary, Culture, B Kalyan Chakravarthy, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in elevating the Assamese film industry. He highlighted the recognition of young talent and the potential of the workshop to foster artistic creations.
Shankar Lall Goenka expressed his desire to make the awards an annual event, believing it would encourage young filmmakers to understand their societal responsibility while pursuing artistic endeavors.
Jahnu Barua reminisced about his association with Goenka and his Kelvin Cinema hall, where he first experienced the works of master auteurs. He also shared his experience working with Goenka on the award-winning film "Ajeyo."
Cotton University Vice Chancellor recalled his childhood connection with films and expressed gratitude for the University's involvement in the event.
The Foundation for Culture, Arts and Literature, a Guwahati-based Trust, also collaborated in the two programs.