New Delhi: The 2nd Kalyan Barooah Awards, a prestigious recognition dedicated to celebrating excellence in journalism, were conferred upon six journalists from the Northeastern region of India during a vibrant ceremony held in the capital on Wednesday. The awards honour the memory of late Kalyan Barooah, a trailblazing journalist whose relentless efforts brought the voices of Assam and the Northeast to the national forefront.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, graced the occasion as the chief guest and remarked the legacy of Kalyan Barooah, “Late Kalyan Barooah represented the voice of Assam and the Northeast on the national stage with integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment. My best wishes to all the recipients of the award across different categories,” he remarked.
Recognizing Excellence
This year’s awards were distributed across three categories—print, electronic, and digital media—along with special mentions and a lifetime achievement honor.
• Mubina Akhtar, a freelance journalist, received the award for excellence in the print media category.
• Mridusmanta Boruah of Pratidin Times was recognized for his contribution to electronic media.
• Dr. Kshetrimayum Chitrabhanu Devi from the Imphal Review of Arts & Politics earned accolades in the digital media category.
Veteran journalist Kishore Seram was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring commitment to journalism and his significant contributions to the field.
Special Mentions:
• Farhana Ahmed from The Assam Tribune was commended for her impactful stories on human trafficking and forced migration in the print media category.
• Aparamita Das received special mention for her evocative photo essay under the still photography category.
Late Kalyan Barooah was a beacon of ethical journalism, serving over 27 years with The Assam Tribune. His writings consistently highlighted the challenges, stories, and potential of the Northeast. Tragically, Barooah and his wife, Nilakshi Bhattacharya, passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Deodhar, founder of My Home India, reflected on Barooah’s legacy: “Kalyan Barooah was a true journalist who always thought about the Northeast and worked tirelessly to highlight the region through his writings.”
The awards were jointly organized by the North East Media Forum (NEMF) and My Home India. The initiative, launched in 2022 to commemorate Barooah’s birth anniversary, aims to inspire journalists to explore and promote the rich culture, heritage, and challenges of the Northeastern region.
The Jury, comprising distinguished personalities such as Utpal Borpujari, Moushumi Chakraborty, Sandeep Phukan, Prof. Sashwati Goswami, and Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, selected the winners after a meticulous review process.
The awards reflect the importance of truthful reporting and storytelling in shaping perceptions about the Northeast. As Union Minister Margherita emphasized, the Kalyan Barooah Awards “not only honor past achievements but also encourage budding journalists to work with dedication and commitment.”
The ceremony was a moving tribute to Kalyan Barooah’s unmatched contribution to journalism and a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the written word. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity and dedication in their craft.