Guwahati, October 25: The Chinmoy Ranjan Dutta Memorial Artist Award 2025 has been announced. This year’s award will be presented to veteran actor Pranjal Saikia, according to a jury comprising senior artists, educators and distinguished cultural workers. The award will be conferred on him during the Raas Mahotsav to be held at the historic Purba Kumarbanda Cultural Centre in Golaghat district on November 5.
Instituted in memory of Chinmoy Ranjan Dutta, the award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions in art, culture and related fields. Previous recipients include Mridula Baruah, Arun Hazarika, Dr Pitambar Dev Goswami (Satradhikar of Auniati Satra), Atul Pachani, Madhurima Chaudhury and Malaya Goswami.
The Raas Mahotsav of the Purba Kumarbanda Cultural Centre, which began in 1984, provides the setting for the presentation each year. Chinmoy Ranjan Dutta, a geologist with ONGC and cultural enthusiast from the Kanugaon area of Golaghat district, was active in local community initiatives before his tragic death in a road accident. The award is presented annually in his memory, with special patronage by his elder brother and social worker, Parikshit Dutta, former Vice-President of the Assam Cricket Association.
Each year, during the sacred Raas celebrations, the award continues to uphold Chinmoy Ranjan Dutta’s legacy celebrating creativity, dedication, and the spirit of Assamese art and culture. And this year’s committee has chosen veteran actor Pranjal Saikia for the recognition.
