96th Birth Anniversary of Late Bhobesh Saikia and Presentation of Aiidesh Awards 2024: Senior Journalist Mahesh Agarwal Honored as Best Journalist and Kaziranga’s Rafikul Islam as Best Young Achiever

The 96th birth celebration of the people's guardian (Janatar Prahory) and Bokakhat Mahiruh Late Bhobesh Saikia, and the Aiidesh Awards for 2024 presentation ceremony, was held on January 16 at Bokakhat Natya Mandir, Bokakhat, Assam.

The event was organized by Bokakhat Puwati Sahitya Sabha, Bokakhat Press Club, Bokakhat Sub-divisional Journalists' Association, Sandhani Lekhika Samaroh Samiti, Bokakhat Natya Mandir, Electronic Media Journalists' Association (EMJA), Kaziranga News Network, Assam Press Correspondents (APCU) Golaghat District Committee, Raijor Khabar, and Aiidesh News.

In honor of the eminent journalist, litterateur, pensioner, social activist and founder-president of APCU, Late Bhobesh Saikia, the ceremony marked his 96th birth anniversary and the presentation of the Aiidesh Awards for 2024. The event began with Chandraprabha Saikia lighting a ceremonial lamp in front of Bhobesh Saikia's portrait, followed by a floral tribute from Bharat Gaurav Awardee Mahavir Prasad Agarwal of Bokakhat.

The homage ceremony was attended by many prominent individuals, including Gopikananda Saikia, president of the Chidananda Saikia Nyas Management Committee; Apurba Bordoloi, president of Bokakhat Puwati Sahitya Sabha; Putali Khaound, president of Sandhani Lekhika Samaroh Samiti; Dilip Saikia, president of Bokakhat Natya Mandir Management Committee; Syed Anichur Rahman, president of Senior Citizens' Association; writer pensioner Nijara Barthakur; Rajendra Nimodia, president of Bokakhat branch of Karunadhara; Raju Rajowar, president of Tea Tribes Literary Association, Bokakhat; Amar Sharma, president of Golaghat district unit of Poets' Conference, and many others.

A meeting chaired by Apurba Bordoloi featured notable personalities, including Assam Gaurav awardee and retired forest officer Dharanidhar Boro, Kaziranga Director Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Assam State Journalists' Association President Jitu Sharma Rajkhowa, Subarna Saikia Bordoloi, President of Lekhika Samaroh Samiti, Assam, retired forest officer Chittaranjan Bhobra, Pranab Chakraborty, Secretary of APCU Central Committee, and Bhavananda Kalita, President of Bokakhat Press Club. The stage event commenced with a soulful performance of Borgeet by renowned singer Rupa Hazarika, while Gitanjali Kalita, Secretary of Purvati Sahitya Sabha, hosted the proceedings.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of the Aiidesh Awards for 2024, organized by Aiidesh News. The Aiidesh Best Journalist Award for 2024 was presented to senior journalist Mahesh Agarwal of Bokakhat by Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga.

Similarly, the Aiidesh Best Young Achiever Award for 2024 was presented to Kaziranga-based environmental activist and prominent birdwatcher Rafikul Islam. In his absence, the award was received by his family member Munmi Begum and was handed over by Dharanidhar Boro. Both recipients were honored with traditional Assamese "Gamocha," "Cheleng Chadar," a commemorative memento, and a cash prize each.

The Aiidesh Awards are prestigious annual recognitions that honor exceptional individuals for their continued contributions in various fields, celebrating the achievements of local heroes from small towns. The awards are named in memory of Bhobesh Saikia, popularly known as Bokakhat Mahiruh, a respected figure who made significant contributions to society. He was known for his commitment to social justice, ethics, and promoting positive change within his community.

The awardees of the Aiidesh Awards for 2024 are primarily individuals who may not have widespread recognition but have made significant, impactful contributions in their respective fields, whether in journalism, community development, entrepreneurship, or other areas. These unsung heroes from regional communities have shown dedication and hard work, making a meaningful difference in their localities. The awards aim to highlight and celebrate their achievements, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and create positive change within their communities.