Golaghat, Dec. 2: Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today gave away the first Syed Abdul Malik and Birangona Xati Xadhoni award to novelist Prafulla Chandra Bora and medical practitioner Numal Chandra Bora respectively.

Renu Bora, wife of late Prafulla Chandra Bora, received the award on behalf of her husband. The award consists of a citation, a plaque and a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh.

While addressing the ceremony, held at the district library auditorium here, Gogoi said no previous government had done much to promote the rich art and culture of the state. Birangona Xati Xadhoni award is an honour of the sacrifices made by the Sutia queen. Gogoi urged the women of the state to emulate the ideals of Xadhoni in practical life and said there was nothing impossible for today's women. "Literature makes a society worthy and a litterateur's contribution shall always be remembered and cherished in all the times to come," Gogoi said.

Gogoi, while speaking about awardee Numal Chandra Bora, said to become a good medical practitioner one should be compassionate about fellow human beings. "Bora's contribution to introducing innovative ideas in the medical sphere can never be forgotten. It was a long standing demand of the people to institute awards in the name of Syed Abdul Malik and Birangona Xati Xadhoni and today it gives me immense pleasure to give away these awards. I was a student of Syed Abdul Malik and his teachings have had a lot of impact on my life," said Gogoi.

Today's award ceremony was organised by the directorate of cultural affairs, in association with the Golaghat district administration.

Cultural affairs minister Bismita Gogoi, PWD minister Ajanta Neog, director of cultural affairs department Pritom Saikia, Kaliabor MP Gaurav Gogoi and Golaghat deputy commissioner Anowarul Haque were also present at the ceremony.