4 toppers from dept of Mass Communication, Assam University conferred Amit Kr Nag memorial award

Jan. 2: In a welcome move, the Amit Kumar Nag memorial awards were conferred upon the toppers of the Department of Mass Communication, Assam University, Silchar. A function in this connection was held at the conference hall (1st floor) of Madhya Sahar Sanskritik Sangstha, Park Road, Silchar on Sunday. A total of 4 toppers were selected for the honour. They are Pompy Paul (topper of 2017), Ssemambo Henry from Uganda (2018), Rajat Sen (2019) and Somava Das (2020).

The award ceremony was organised to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of the veteran renowned journalist Late Amit Kumar Nag (1933- 2007). A journalist par excellence, Late Nag carved a niche for himself by setting an example of honest, brave and dedicated scribe in the state. An institution by himself, he was a harbinger of upholding the ethics of journalism.

During the day, Rajat Sen and Somava Das, toppers from the class of 2019 and 2020 respectively were handed a citation and a cheque of Rs. 5,000 each by Purabi Nag, wife of Late Amit Kumar Nag. The awards to the toppers of the class of 2017 and 2018, Pompy Paul and Ssemambo Henry, who could not make it to the event were received by a representative of the Department on their behalf. The citations were read by Dr Apratim Nag, son of Late Amit Kumar Nag’s, who is serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, GC College, Silchar.

The conglomeration comprised of luminaries from a diverse field spoke during the occasion. Dr Alfarid Hussain, a faculty member of the Department of Mass Communication, Assam University lauded the efforts of the Nag family for organising the award ceremony. He said that such kind of awards definitely provides impetus to other students to excel in their field of study. Also renowned journalists who graced the occasion were Atin Das, Arijit Aditya, Dr. Arindam Gupta among others. All of them narrated their experience. Apasrt from them Prof Joydeep Biswasof Cachar College also spoke on the uncompromising journalistic ethos exhibited by Late Amit Kumar Nag.

Rajat Sen and Somava Das, toppers from the class of 2019 and 2020 also spoke during the occasion and offered their thanks to the Nag family for the honour bestowed upon them. They promised to take journalism to new heights. The programme was compèred by Angshuman Acharjee. Dr. Rama Purkayastha, niece of Late Amit Kumar Nag delivered the vote of thanks.

Since the death of this eminent journalist, his family members have been conferring award upon the best performers in Mass Communication from Assam University. However, due to certain exigencies, the award could not be given in the last 3 years. As such, the family has given the award to those toppers from the department who have come out with flying colours in the previous 4 years.