Dibrugarh edition of Asomiya Pratidin has completed 25 remarkable years, a milestone that symbolizes its unwavering commitment to fearless journalism and cultural heritage of Assam. Launched in 1999 under visionary leadership of Jayanta Baruah, edition overcame immense logistical challenges to establish itself as a beacon of credible reporting in Upper Assam.
Launch: Overcoming Logistical Challenges
At time of its launch, Dibrugarh was far less developed in terms of connectivity and infrastructure compared to today. Connecting with districts like Majuli, Lakhimpur, and Dhemaji posed significant logistical hurdles. Despite these challenges, Jayanta Baruah prioritized Dibrugarh over more accessible locations like Jorhat, recognizing its historical significance in Assam’s literary and journalistic landscape.
| Key Milestones in Launch | Details |
| Launch Year | 1999 |
| Challenging Locations | Majuli, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji |
| Alternative Considered | Jorhat |
| Key Contributor | Sarat Chandra Neog |
| Initial Challenges | Poor infrastructure, limited communication channels |
Historical Significance of Dibrugarh in Journalism
Dibrugarh had already etched its mark in Assam’s journalistic and literary history by 1895. This legacy provided a strong foundation for Dibrugarh edition of Asomiya Pratidin to flourish.
Silver Jubilee Celebration
To commemorate 25 years of impactful journalism, Achiever Awards 2024 ceremony was held at Rangghar Auditorium, Dibrugarh University. celebration was marked by presence of esteemed guests, including journalists, editors, and media personnel who have contributed to growth of publication.
Dibrugarh office, located in Bairagimot, was decorated festively for occasion. Journalists and their families gathered to celebrate, reflecting on edition’s achievements over years.
| Celebration Highlights | Details |
| Event | Achiever Awards 2024 |
| Venue | Rangghar Auditorium, Dibrugarh University |
| Office Celebration | Festive decorations, cake-cutting ceremony |
| Special Guests | Jayanta Baruah, Haider Hussain, Anuradha Sharma Pujari, Sunit Kumar Bhuyan |
Contributors and Their Roles
Several key figures have played pivotal roles in success of Dibrugarh edition. Sarat Chandra Neog, a senior journalist and writer, was instrumental in establishing edition. He recalled early days of scouting for office space with late colleague Putul Barthakur, even riding bicycles around city to finalize operations.
late Narendra Lal Baruah, who managed Dibrugarh edition in its early days, ensured seamless coordination among journalists, delivery personnel, and media staff. These efforts laid groundwork for edition’s enduring success.
| Contributor | Role |
| Sarat Chandra Neog | Journalist, pivotal in establishing Dibrugarh edition |
| Narendra Lal Baruah | Manager, ensured operational efficiency |
| Shrikanta Bharali | Handled newspaper distribution |
| Jayanta Baruah | Visionary leader, proprietor of Sadin-Pratidin group |
Fearless Journalism: A Legacy of Truth
One of defining moments of Asomiya Pratidin’s journey was its fearless reporting on controversial issues. A notable instance occurred during AGP government led by former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. newspaper’s coverage of a sensitive incident involving allegations of sexual assault during a joint operation by army and police sparked statewide outrage.
front-page report highlighted involvement of a soldier in crime, leading to a court-martial. This bold stance strengthened public’s trust in publication and cemented its reputation for fearless journalism.
| Incident Reported | Details |
| Event | Alleged sexual assault during Operation Bajrang |
| Headline | “Health Minister Bhuben Baruah’s Niece Raped by Army” |
| Outcome | Court-martial of soldier involved |
| Impact | Widespread outrage, bolstered public trust in newspaper |
Achiever Awards 2024
Achiever Awards 2024 celebrated outstanding contributions to journalism and arts. Senior photojournalist Chinmoy Roy, a standout recipient, was recognized for his dedication and captured memorable moments from celebrations.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Dibrugarh edition enters its silver jubilee year, media landscape continues to evolve. Challenges such as misinformation, political pressures, and technological advancements demand a renewed focus on journalistic integrity and adaptability.
Despite these challenges, unwavering commitment of Sadin-Pratidin group to fearless reporting ensures that legacy of Jayanta Baruah will endure. Dibrugarh edition remains a trusted voice for people of Assam.
| Challenges | Opportunities |
| Misinformation | Leveraging technology for fact-checking |
| Political Pressures | Upholding journalistic independence |
| Evolving Media Consumption | Expanding digital presence and audience engagement |
Future Celebrations
festivities continue with Pratidin Live in Concert scheduled for December 9 at Chowkidingee Field, Dibrugarh. Additionally, unveiling of a full-body statue of ‘Bhaxar Oja’ Hemchandra Baruah at Dibrugarh University on December 10 will honor Assam’s rich literary heritage.
Conclusion
silver jubilee of Asomiya Pratidin’s Dibrugarh edition is not just a celebration of 25 years of journalism but also a testament to vision and determination of Jayanta Baruah. From overcoming initial challenges to becoming a trusted voice for people, journey reflects power of fearless reporting and a commitment to truth. As it forges ahead, Dibrugarh edition continues to inspire future generations of journalists.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available at time of writing. Details about events and individuals may evolve. Readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for most accurate and updated information.
