GUWAHATI: Assam’s Joynacharan Bathari and Anil Kumar Boro have been conferred the Padma Shri award in the field of Art on Monday, April 28. The award was conferred by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held in New Delhi.
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Joynacharan Bathari, a retired government servant from the Sub-Divisional Office in Haflong, is recognised for his lifelong dedication to the traditional folk music of the Dimasa community in Dima Hasao. Born on July 1, 1940, at Jorai Bathari village, he began engaging with Dimasa folk music from an early age. His commitment led him to perform at various All India Radio centres, including Silchar, Haflong, Dibrugarh, and Shillong, as well as at cultural events in cities such as Agartala, Guwahati, and New Delhi.
Besides singing, Bathari is adept at playing traditional instruments like the "Khram" (drum) and "Muri" (flute). He represented Dima Hasao in cultural events across the northeastern states and received numerous awards from NGOs for his contribution to cultural preservation.
Following his retirement in 1998, he remained actively involved in social services, serving as Mouzadar and Khunang (Gaon Bura) in his district and participating in community religious activities. His other accolades include the Pratima Baruah Pandey Memorial Award (2013), a Lifetime Achievement Award by Akhil Bharat Hindu Sammelan (2018), and the Johaya Bathari Award.
Professor Anil Kumar Boro, an eminent poet, folklorist, translator, and academician, was also awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to Bodo literature, folklore, and culture. Born on December 9, 1961, in Kahitama near Manas National Park, Boro pursued his Master’s in English and later earned his Ph.D. in Folklore Research from Gauhati University. He began his teaching career at Dimoria College in 1988 and later joined Gauhati University’s Folklore Research Department in 2000, where he currently serves as the Head.
Author and editor of over 30 books, Boro has contributed to modern Bodo literature and has translated major literary works into the Bodo language. He has actively promoted mother tongue education and played a key role in implementing the National Education Policy 2020 in Bodoland. His participation in national and international forums has helped bring Bodo literature to global attention.
Bodo’s achievements have been recognised with the Sahitya Akademi Award (2012), Rangsar Literary Award, and Sahitya Sadhana Botha (2024).
