Devarshi Narad Jayanti Lecture to Be Held in Guwahati; Veteran Journalist Nava Thakuria to Receive Prestigious Award
By Antara Tripathy
Guwahati, June 2026: Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK) Assam is set to organize its annual Devarshi Narad Jayanti Lecture on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Sudarshanalay in the Barbari area of Guwahati. The program will commence at 10:30 a.m. and will bring together media professionals, scholars, and journalism enthusiasts to celebrate the enduring legacy of Devarshi Narad, often regarded as the world’s first communicator and media personality.
The keynote lecture will be delivered by Prakhar Shrivastava, a nationally acclaimed news presenter and currently serving as a Senior Advisor in the News Division of Delhi Doordarshan. His address will focus on the life, contributions, and communication philosophy of Devarshi Narad and their relevance to contemporary journalism.
On the occasion, senior journalist and editor of Ishan Darpan, Nava Thakuria, will be conferred the Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to journalism and media. Additionally, three working journalists—Lakhyajit Gohain of NKTV, Ranjita Rabha of Pratham Khabar, and Mridul Haloi of Dainik Asoam—will be felicitated for their professional achievements.
Speaking about the event, Kishor Shivam, Secretary of VSK Assam, emphasized the vital role of the media in a democratic society. He noted that journalism serves as a powerful tool for keeping citizens informed, raising awareness during crises, and holding authorities accountable whenever necessary. Drawing parallels with Devarshi Narad’s role in fostering awareness and vigilance in society, Shivam said the annual celebration seeks to uphold these ideals and inspire media professionals to continue serving the public interest.
Over the years, the Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award has been presented to several distinguished media personalities from the region, including Dhirendra Nath Chakrabarty, Dhirendra Nath Bezbaruah, Kanak Sen Deka, Mahendra Barua, Shashi Phukan, Anil Baruah, Gautam Sarma, Rupam Baruah, Prashant Jyoti Baruah, and Shantanu Tamulik.
This year’s award recipient, Nava Thakuria, began his journalistic career in 1990 with the Assamese daily Natun Dainik before transitioning into English-language journalism. Today, he is widely recognized for his insightful reporting and commentary across a range of publications, including Ishan Darpan, The Statesman, Terra Green, Indian Printer & Publisher, and Scribes News, besides contributing regularly to numerous news portals. He is also a familiar face on television discussion programs addressing contemporary issues.
Thakuria’s journalistic work primarily focuses on socio-political developments, cultural transformation, environmental challenges, and media trends across Northeast India and neighboring regions, including Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet/China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. He has also extensively examined the evolving landscape of global journalism following the rise of alternative and digital media platforms.
An alumnus of Assam Engineering College, Thakuria has received several fellowships and recognitions throughout his career. In 2021, he earned international recognition from the Geneva-based media rights organization Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), becoming one of the first Indian journalists to receive such acknowledgment from the body.
The upcoming event is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful discussions on journalism, ethics, public communication, and the evolving role of media in strengthening democratic values.
