Ajan Peer awards presented

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – The Ajan Peer Awards for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 were conferred on social worker Hem Bhai, poet Prof Tafazzul Ali (posthumously) and folklorist Dr Birendra Nath Datta at a function at the Ravindra Bhavan this evening. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi formally presented the awards to the awardees. Johura Ali, wife of the late Tafazzul Ali, received the award on his behalf.

Speaking on the occasion, Hem Bhai regretted that people were shedding blood in the name of religion, even though the preaching and ideals of all religions were the same. “It is time we developed a new definition of religion. This can be achieved by blending spirituality with science,” he said.

Hem Bhai also urged the Government to protect the Ajan Peer Dargah in Sivasagar district from the ravages of flood. “This is a symbol of the unique communal harmony Assam is known for, and this should be protected and showcased before a global audience,” he added.

Dr Datta, while describing Ajan Peer — a Sufi saint and poet of medieval Assam originally hailing from Baghdad — as a spiritual icon exemplifying universal brotherhood, said that he had left behind an enduring legacy, as evident from the unity in diversity in the State.

The Chief Minister, in his speech, called for shedding narrow-mindedness and hatred for building a prosperous and peaceful Assam. “It is through assimilation and tolerance and not through conflict and revulsion that we can usher in a progressive Assam. We also need to follow in the footsteps of our great souls such as Ajan Peer and Sankardev who united our society,” he said.

Gogoi also announced that the State Government was planning to introduce a chair in one of the universities after Ajan Peer.

Johura Ali, Cultural Affairs Minister Bharat Narah, and Rabendra Kumar Das, Commissioner and Secretary, Cultural Affairs, also addressed the gathering.

The award was introduced by the State Government in 2004 to honour persons of eminence for their contribution in the field of promotion of communal harmony, peace and public welfare. It carries Rs 2 lakh and a citation. source: assam tribune