Tripura's Satyaram Reang, Arshiya Das bag prestigious awards

After Thanga Darlong and Beni Chandra Jamatia, Satyaram Reang became the third renowned person from the indigenous community of Tripura to receive such prestigious award in recent years. Chess prodigy of Tripura Arshiya Das has been chosen for this year's Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP).

New Delhi:In an extremely proud moment, Satyaram Reang of Tripura has been awarded Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards of the country for his contributions in the field of folk art. At the same time, Chess prodigy of the state Arshiya Das has been conferred with prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar adding another feather to the cap.

After Thanga Darlong and Beni Chandra Jamatia, Satyaram Reang became the third renowned person from the indigenous community of Tripura to receive such prestigious award in recent years.

Born in 1943 and hailing from Birchandramanu of Santirbazar in South Tripura district, the Octogenarian has been given the honour for his exemplary contributions in the field of Arts. The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the prestigious awards on the eve of Republic Day on Monday.

He has been performing in traditional festivals of his community since his childhood and is considered to be one of the most accomplished performers of the Hojagiri dance and of Kokborok songs. He is also the founder of a Lokaranjan Shakha.

His dedicated work in preserving and promoting the traditional Hojagiri dance of the Reang community has been recognized by the people of the region, and by various institutions in north-eastern India.

He has also performed in Russia and also the recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to the folk dance and music of Tripura.

Easier on the day, Chess prodigy of Tripura Arshiya Das has been chosen for this year's Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP). Little chess star 10-year-old Arshiya is the first and only girl chess player from the northeast India who received an international gold medal and is also a national chess champion.

Congratulating the little star, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Meet the young Arshiya Das, a 10-year-old chess master from Tripura. She has won an international gold medal and other laurels too. During the lockdown, she took part in many online tournaments! Many congratulations to her for the Bal Puraskar."

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb also extended congratulations to Arshiya and other youngsters who were conferred upon the prestigious Puraskar.

Every year, an award-giving ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhawan on the eve of Republic Day – however, this year, due to Corona Pandemic, the award conferring programme went online. During the online award conferring programme, Arshiya along with her father Purnendu Das, mother Arnisha Nath Das and DM of West Shilesh Yadav were present.

It is also worthy to be mentioned here that six policemen from Tripura were awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

According to official statement Keshab Hari Jamatia, Inspector, presently posted in North Tripura, Siddhartha Sankar Kar, Inspector, presently posted as Officer in charge of Amtali police station, Ganesh Chandra Deb, SI presently in Gomati district, Parimal Das, ASI, posted in Agartala, Haripada Bhaumik, ASI posted in Kalamchowra, Kripamoy Chakma, ASI posted in Gomati were awarded the coveted Police Medal.

Besides them, Akhil Debbarma has also been awarded the President's Home Guards Volunteer and Civil Defence Medal.