Renowned Journalist and Rights Activist Sanjoy Hazarika Honored with Rotary Writing for Peace Award at Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest
Guwahati, October 30, 2023 – In a grand ceremony at Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest on October 29th, 2023, esteemed journalist, author, and columnist Sanjoy Hazarika was bestowed with the prestigious Rotary Writing for Peace Award. The award, instituted by The Peace Avenue of Rotary District 3141 Mumbai, acknowledged Hazarika’s remarkable contributions to shedding light on human rights, conflict mitigation, and development-related issues in the Northeast Region.
Shri Hazarika, Managing Trustee of Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (CNES), is celebrated not only for his tireless activism but also for his significant accomplishments in scholarship, journalism, and filmmaking. His thought-provoking works, including “Strangers of the Mist” and “Strangers No More, New Narratives from the North East,” have offered deep insights into the complex web of human rights issues, conflicts, migration, and development within the Northeast and its adjacent regions.
The Rotary Writing for Peace Award highlights the critical role played by individuals dedicated to peace-building in a world marred by conflict, violence, and human rights violations. Throughout its history, Literature Live! and Tata Literature Live! have consistently provided a platform for authors who advocate for humanism, equality, and respect.
This award, presented annually to an Indian writer whose work centers around peace, was decided by an eminent panel of jurors comprising representatives from various organizations and independent members.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Sanjoy Hazarika expressed his appreciation for the award and drew attention to the challenges faced by media professionals working in the Northeastern region and across the country. He emphasized the power of listening and understanding the stories of people at both grassroots and policy levels, highlighting that this process not only enriches our knowledge but also enables us to tell their stories with greater depth and compassion.
The Tata Literature Live! festival, which ran from October 25th to 29th both online and in Mumbai, exemplifies its commitment to promoting literature that embodies humanistic values and peace, aligning with the mission of the Rotary Writing for Peace Award.