A CORRESPONDENT
BISWANATH CHARIALI: The Akash Vigyan and Environment Education Centre working in the interest of popularizing science and protecting the environment at Biswanath Chariali, presented the Parivesh Sousthav Award to Dr Praveen Saikia, founder of Bana Tirtha, a hub for herbs and medicinal plants situated at Narayanpur, Lakhimpur on Saturday.
Eminent science writer Kshirdhar Baruah, the founder of the Akash Shishu Vigyan programme, presided over the inaugural session of the awareness meeting held at Akash Bhawan at Hatkhola, Biswanath Chariali. Eminent scientist Dr Binoy Kumar Saikia, who won the Shantiswarup Bhatnagar Award and Assam Saurav Award, was the chief guest in the meeting conducted by Ripunjoy Bordoloi, secretary, Akash Vigyan and Environment Education Centre. On behalf of Akash’s family, vice-presidents of Akash Vigyan and Environment Education Centre Dhaneshwar Bora, Durga Prasad Nepal, Babita Hazarika and Mamud Ahmed honoured Dr Prabin Saikia with a memento, a letter of felicitation, a cheleng and a gamosa for his contributions towards the preservation of the environment.
Dr Prabin Saikia, in his speech, apprised the gathering about how he brought saplings and branches of trees from different parts of India and enriched Bana Tirtha. Chief guest Dr Binoy Kumar Saikia highlighted the importance of events like the World Earth Day and Bana Tirtha and said that if the students go ahead with dedication to the work they love by stopping running after the job, then their financial condition will be strengthened and the society will also benefit from it.
Vijay Goswami, Secretary of Biswanath Chariali Senior Citizens’ Association, Dr Pradeep Mahanta, president, Biswanath Chariali Branch of Assam Science Society, Dhaneshwar Bora, Central Functionary of Ellora Vigyan Mancha, Barnali Saikia, eminent science writer, Surya Bora, president of Biswanath District Moina Parijat, Dr Ashutosh Thakur, a scientist from NEIST etc. spoke a few words in the meeting.
The awards of the Tirtheshwar Sharma memorial state-level painting competition organized on the occasion of the World Earth Day were also presented on the occasion.