*Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award 2025 Conferred on Shantanu Tamuli*
Guwahati: Devarshi Narad, regarded as the world’s first journalist, neither lived in a palatial bungalow nor practiced journalism under royal patronage, despite having access to all the Gods. In stark contrast, today’s journalism paints a grim picture—some media outlets chase government sponsorship while others promote anti-national narratives, observed nationally acclaimed journalist and political commentator Harshvardhan Tripathi.
Tripathi was delivering the keynote address at the Devarshi Narad Jayanti program held at Sudarshanalaya in Guwahati on Sunday (1 June 2025). He expressed concern that while India continues its relentless war against terrorism, the role of opposition parties and certain media sections remains disheartening. He lamented that many journalists lacked the courage to report the recent Pahalgam terror attack with the correct perspective.
Highlighting the transformation in perception, Tripathi pointed out that the same journalists who once mocked India-made arms and ammunition now witness their effectiveness in combat—particularly against Pakistan, which procured weapons from the USA, China, and Turkey. He noted that Indian journalism remains directionless, especially when it comes to ground reporting.
“To cover complex situations, today’s media professionals must draw inspiration from Devarshi Narad—who was fearless, focused, and free from greed,” Tripathi emphasized. He further stated that in an era plagued by fake news and questionable fact-checking mechanisms, journalists must uphold honesty and moral integrity.
Tripathi praised Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK), Assam, for organizing the annual event commemorating the birth anniversary of Devarshi Narad. Reminding media professionals that they enjoy no greater rights than any common citizen, he emphasized the example set by Narad Muni—living simply yet upholding the highest standards of integrity and truth.
Criticizing journalists who support defeated political candidates in an attempt to manipulate public opinion, Tripathi termed such behavior as socially disruptive and anarchic.
The Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award 2025 was presented to Shantanu Tamuli (birth name: Pramod Tamuli), a prominent Assamese children’s writer and editor of Mouchak and Natun Aabiskar. The award included a Cheleng Chadar, a memento, a citation, a cheque for ₹50,000, and a collection of books. In his acceptance speech, Tamuli expressed gratitude to the organizers and the readers of both magazines, which he continues to edit.
Three Guwahati-based working journalists—Himanshu Pathak (Asomiya Khabar), Diganta Saharia (Prag News), and Khanin Deka (Niyomiya Barta)—were also felicitated on the occasion.
The program began with the ceremonial lighting of a sacred lamp before the figurine of Bharat Mata. The event featured a soulful rendition of the Narad Stotra by Sharat Rag and was moderated by Naba Bujarbarua.
Kishor Shivam, Secretary of VSK Assam, welcomed the audience. Distinguished guests included Gauranga Sharma, President of VSK Assam; Guru Prasad Medhi, Vice-President; Sunil Mahanty, Asom Kshetra Prachar Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh; Pramod Kalita, Secretary of Assam Publication Board; and many other dignitaries.
