Aiyushman Dutta had been known to us for a long time. We the non-resident Assamese were strongly associated with this gifted young man. Aiyushman had been writing regularly about the various welfare and cultural activities by us. Melange, the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' is well known and popular with us and Aiyushman published several featured articles including Arvind Phukan who has been conferred with Pravasi Bharatiya Award for 2021, acclaimed writer and Man Asian Literary Prize-shortlisted Author Jahnavi Barua, the Tech Awards 2011 winner Dr Pradip Sarmah, Rachna Nath, who has won the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Award, Environment Educators in the United States. Aiyushman also covered the philanthropic work by the Assam Foundation of North America (AFNA) and as an executive member of AFNA, I was also interviewed and featured on our support to various educational institutes in Assam. Several non-residents including Binoy Bordoloi, Niren Choudhari, Syeda Jebeen Sabira Shah from the USA and Dr Rupakjyoti Borah from Singapore offered their condolences to his family. President of Axam Xahitya Xabha Kuladhar Saikia, in his tribute, mentioned his close association with Aiyushman and how effectively he was making his presence felt in writing.
Aiyushman took great pride in being a northeasterner. As a writer and the founder of the Guwahati International Music Festival, Aiyushman brought to the forefront the grandeur, the colourful and exotic traditions of the people of the northeast. He was a pioneer and he told their stories with deep empathy, engagement and literary skills. Aiyushman left too early but his life made a difference. We urge 'The Sentinel Group' to keep the memory of Aiyushman Dutta alive and confer a memorial award. The award, in remembrance of Aiyushman, can be in the realm of literature or culture encompassing all the seven sister States of the North East.
Ankur Bora
Dallas, Texas, USA