• The Assamese Children’s Literature Award–2025 and Assamese Best Children’s Book Award–2025 were conferred at a literary programme organised by Akanir Xahitya Xabha at Tezpur Xahitya Xabha Bhawan, highlighting Assam’s growing focus on nurturing children’s literature.

Key awardees

  • Bijoy Kumar Dutta received the Assamese Children’s Literature Award–2025.
    • A renowned children’s writer, publisher, and translator who has authored over 150 children’s books.
    • He is best known for translating Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone into Assamese, making global literature accessible to Assamese children.
  • Gahana Chakraborty, a Class X student from Guwahati, won the Assamese Best Children’s Book Award–2025.
    • Awarded for her book “Sei Rahasyamayi Mashto” (That Mysterious Fish).
    • Her achievement reflects the emergence of young voices in Assamese literature.

About the programme

  • Held under the chairmanship of Pankaj Barua, President of Akanir Xahitya Xabha.
  • Awards were presented by Prithiraj Rava, along with senior administrators, writers, and cultural figures.
  • Awardees were honoured with gamocha, cheleng, jaapi, citations, mementoes, and cash awards, blending tradition with literary recognition.

Key highlights of the Event

  • The programme featured:
    • Songs, poetry recitations, and musical performances by children.
    • Release of a poetry collection by veteran writer Suchitra Sarma, reinforcing inter-generational literary bonding.
Journey of Assamese Children’s Literature

  • The first children novel written in Assamese was Paatalpuri by Hargobind Sharmah.
  • The first Assamese children’s magazine, Lora Bandhu, was edited by Karunaviram Boruah.
    • Though pioneering, it ceased publication after just two issues, reflecting the financial and readership challenges of the time.
  • In 1916, Okon, edited by Hemchandra Goswami, appeared but also failed to continue for long.

Pre-Independence efforts

Despite limited resources, several children’s magazines emerged before Independence, though most lacked continuity:

  • Moina (1923) – edited by Raghunath Choudhury
  • Arun (1926) – edited by Mahadev Verma
  • Pokhila (1933) – edited by Harendranath Sharma
  • Okon (1935) – edited by Birinchi Kumar Boruah
  • Parijat – edited by Dinanath Sharma

These magazines played a crucial role in introducing moral values, language skills, and creativity to children, even if 

Post-Independence phase

  • After 1947, children’s magazines gained greater acceptance, though many still struggled to survive long-term.
  • Notable examples include:

    • Rang Ghar (1948) – Birinchi Kumar Boruah
    • Kasijun (1951) – Ibrahim Ali
    • Deepak (1954–1966) – Gaurikanta Talukdar
    • Junbai (1961–1970) – Navakanta Boruah
    • Rodali (1969) – Suresh Chandra Rajkhowa

1970s–1980s: a richer landscape

  • This period saw relatively greater diversification in children’s magazines:

    • Moina – Jahid Choudhury
    • Na-Jauti – Saldhar Sharma
    • Juntara – Nagen Borah
    • Bhaiti-Bhonti – Devajani Saliha
    • Kakoli – Ruchinath Sharma & Ashinikumar Baruah
    • Sauji – Hema Borah
    • Runjun – Badan Boruah

Exam Hook

UPSC Prelims – Statement-based Question

Q. With reference to the Assamese Children’s Literature Awards, consider the following statements:

  1. The awards are presented by Akanir Xahitya Xabha to promote children’s literature in Assamese.
  2. Bijoy Kumar Dutta is known for translating Harry Potter into Assamese.
  3. The awards are exclusively given to adult writers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap:
By honouring both veteran writers and young authors, Assam is planting the seeds of its literary future.

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