Senior Assamese journalist Nava Thakuria was conferred the annual Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award at a function organised by Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK) Assam at Sudarshanalaya in Barbari, Guwahati. Three emerging journalists—Ranjita Rabha of Pratham Khabar, Lakhyajit Gohain of NK Television and Mridul Haloi of Dainik Asom—were also felicitated during the event.
The programme featured an address by Prakhar Shrivastava, Senior Consulting Editor and Anchor at Delhi Doordarshan Kendra, who spoke on contemporary socio-political issues and the role of journalism. He observed that the spread and assessment of half-truths pose a greater challenge to journalism than outright falsehoods. He also shared his views on the historical role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the Partition period and on demographic changes in Assam.
Accepting the award, Thakuria described Devarshi Narad as a timeless inspiration for journalism, noting that his tradition of seeking truth through dialogue and constructive engagement remains relevant today. He also highlighted the importance of preserving India’s culturally rooted journalistic values.
The event included the release of the souvenir Veena Bani, a Saraswati Vandana presentation.