Sananta Tanti, Rituraj Basumatary Bag Akademi Awards

GUWAHATI: Two litterateurs from Assam have bagged Sahitya Akademi Awards – Assamese poet Sananta Tanti for his poetry collection – Kailoir Dinto Amar Hobo – and Bodo fiction writer Rituraj Basumatary for his short story collection – Dwngse Lama. Sahitya Akademi announced its literary awards for 2018 on Wednesday.

Talking to the media, Tanti said: “I write or like to write poems for the people, the society, the environment and for self recreation. I write on my own ways, without following anyone. I’ve no lust for awards. However, this award is needed for me for its cash reward since I’ve been ailing.”

Born in 1952 at Kalinagar Tea Estate in Karimganj district, Tanti did his schooling in Bengali medium. Later, he came to Shillong and then to Jorhat for higher education. He has many books to his credit, and some of them are Ujjal Nokshotror Sondhanot, Nijor Bureddhe Shesh Prostab, Shobdot othoba Shobdoheenotat, Toponitou Ketiaba Barisha Ahe, Dhua-chhair Xopon, Mor Priyo Xoponor Usore Pajore, etc.

Earlier, Tanti received Mrinalini Devi Goswami Award from Axom Kobi Samaj in 1994, Bir Birsha Bunda Award and Usman Ali Samannay Award from Sar Sapori Xahitya Parishad in 2010.

Born on October 20, 1963 in Karbi Anglong, Basumatary did his master’s in Assamese. He said that he was inspired by the fictions of Nagen Saikia and Saurav Chaliha. He said: “I’m elated to have received this award. It’ll encourage me in my literary works.”

Basumatary has another collection of short stories – Mwnse Simang Nananwi – to his credit.

The award, to be given away at a function in New Delhi on January 29 next, comprises a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh.