Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award
{{Short description|A state-level award}}
{{Infobox award
| name = Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| awarded_for = Contributions to the promotion of language, literature, culture, and communal harmony
| presenter = Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam
| country = India
| year = {{Start date and age|2015}}
| holder_label = Most recent recipient
| holder = Toren Chandra Boro (2024)
| website = [https://culturalaffairs.assam.gov.in/ Official website]
}}
Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award is a prestigious state-level honor conferred by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of language, literature, culture, and communal harmony in Assam. The award was first instituted in 2015 and is presented every three years.
History
The Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award was established in memory of Ahmed Ali Baskandi, an Islamic scholar and Sufi philosopher. He served as the first Sheikh al-Hadith of Darul Uloom Banskandi, a prominent center for learning and peace in Northeast India. His contributions to fostering communal harmony and promoting cultural integration in Assam are widely acclaimed.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=15 September 2010 |title=CM presents Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award |url=https://assamtribune.com/cm-presents-ahmed-ali-baskandi-award |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920104804/https://assamtribune.com/cm-presents-ahmed-ali-baskandi-award |archive-date=20 September 2021 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=The Assam Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Khosa |first=Aasha |date=20 June 2022 |title=Assam revives awards in the name of historic Muslim personalities |url=https://www.awazthevoice.in/india-news/assam-revives-awards-in-the-name-of-historic-muslim-personalities-12797.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814182304/https://www.awazthevoice.in/india-news/assam-revives-awards-in-the-name-of-historic-muslim-personalities-12797.html |archive-date=14 August 2022 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=Awaz – The Voice |language=en}}
Components of the Award
The award includes a citation, traditional attire (angavastra), a ceremonial gift (xorai), and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. It recognizes individuals whose efforts have strengthened peace, harmony, and societal welfare.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=17 June 2024 |title=Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award to Toren Chandra Boro |url=https://dailytimesnewsdtn.com/ahmed-ali-baskandi-award-to-toren-chandra-boro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223165719/https://dailytimesnewsdtn.com/ahmed-ali-baskandi-award-to-toren-chandra-boro/ |archive-date=23 December 2024 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=Daily Times News DTN|language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=19 June 2024 |title=Toren Chandra Boro To Receive Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award 2024 |url=https://thehillstimes.in/assam/toren-chandra-boro-to-receive-ahmed-ali-baskandi-award-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722005258/https://thehillstimes.in/assam/toren-chandra-boro-to-receive-ahmed-ali-baskandi-award-2024 |archive-date=22 July 2024 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=The Hills Times |language=en-US}}
Objectives
The primary aim of the Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award is to promote communal harmony and preserve Assam's cultural heritage. Instituted in the name of Ahmed Ali Baskandi, a revered religious preacher, the award reflects his ideals of humanity, equality, and fostering unity among diverse communities. It continues to inspire efforts toward peace, development, and societal well-being in the state.{{Cite web |title=Awards {{!}} Department of Cultural Affairs {{!}} Government Of Assam, India |url=https://culturalaffairs.assam.gov.in/information-services/awards-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014023236/https://culturalaffairs.assam.gov.in/information-services/awards-0 |archive-date=14 October 2017 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=culturalaffairs.assam.gov.in |publisher=Government of Assam |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kashyap |first=Samudra Gupta |date=10 March 2015 |title=Assam govt institutes award in name of journalist killed by ULFA rebels |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/assam-govt-institutes-award-in-name-of-journalist-killed-by-ulfa-rebels/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311184713/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/assam-govt-institutes-award-in-name-of-journalist-killed-by-ulfa-rebels/ |archive-date=11 March 2015 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
Awardees
Over the years, the Ahmed Ali Baskandi Award has been presented to the following individuals: