1) Why in the news

At Sivasagar, the Sivasagar District Journalists’ Union (SDJU) presented the inaugural Shaheed Piyoli Phukan State Award to Dr. Pushpa Gogoi during its 15th conference. The award recognises outstanding work in history, literature, and culture—areas closely tied to Assam’s identity and memory.

2) What the award is and who gives it

This is a state-level honour instituted by SDJU (a journalists’ body). It is not a government award. The aim is to celebrate scholars and creators who keep Assam’s historical and cultural traditions alive.

What the honour carries

• Phulam gamosa, seleng, tarkab, seng, phulam japi (traditional Assamese items)

• A memento and citation

• ₹25,000 in cash

Why this matters: By choosing a people-led institution (SDJU) to confer the award, the memory of Shaheed Piyoli Phukan is kept close to the public sphere—teachers, writers, researchers, and local historians who work with communities.

3) The first awardee: Dr. Pushpa Gogoi

Dr. Pushpa Gogoi is a noted historian, litterateur, researcher, painter, and Tai scholar. Her work spans Assamese history, language and literature, visual culture, and Tai studies, helping younger readers and scholars connect with Assam’s layered past. Honouring her sets the tone for the award—rigour in research, creative expression, and cultural rootedness.

4) Who was Shaheed Piyoli Phukan (1786–1830)

Piyoli Phukan is remembered as one of Assam’s earliest martyrs in the anti-British struggle.

• He was the son of Badan Barphukan, an influential Ahom noble in the early 19th century.

• He took part in the Assamese revolt against colonial rule and was executed by the British.

• For decades, local historians and journalists have campaigned to recognise him as the first martyr of India’s anti-British movement.

Why this matters today: Honouring Piyoli Phukan reminds us that Assam’s resistance was early, organised, and costly, and that regional heroes deserve a national place in our freedom story.

5) Cultural memory on screen: the 1955 film “Piyoli Phukan”

The Assamese-language film “Piyoli Phukan” (1955), directed by Phani Sarma, brought his story to a wider audience.

• It received a Certificate of Merit at the 1956 State Awards, giving national recognition to Assamese cinema.

• With music by Bhupen Hazarika, the film blended regional folklore with pan-Indian patriotic feeling, shaping public memory of Piyoli Phukan for generations.

6) Why this award matters for Assam and for students of culture

• Restoring memory: It links scholarship and the arts to freedom-era history, highlighting how local heroes shaped national narratives.

• Role modelling: By honouring researchers and creators, the SDJU shows young students that serious study of language, history, and culture can win public respect.

• People’s institutions: A journalists’ union leading this effort keeps the celebration of heritage close to citizens, not just to official spaces.

Prelims Practice (MCQ)

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The Piyoli Phukan Memorial State Award was instituted in 2025 to honour contributions in sports and cinema.

2. The first recipient of the award was Dr. Pushpa Gogoi, a noted historian and Tai scholar.

3. The award carries a citation, memento, phulam gamosa, phulam japi, traditional Assamese attire, and ₹25,000 in cash.

4. The award is conferred annually by the Government of Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Why:

• (1) Incorrect — the award honours history, literature, and culture, not sports and cinema.

• (2) Correct — Dr. Pushpa Gogoi is the first awardee.

• (3) Correct — the honour includes the listed traditional items, citation, memento, and ₹25,000.

• (4) Incorrect — it is instituted by SDJU, not by the Government of Assam.

One-line wrap: A people-led award for history, literature, and culture keeps Piyoli Phukan’s sacrifice alive and inspires new work in Assam’s scholarship and arts.