Guwahati,Nov 10 : Noted poet and novelist Mamang Dai has been honored with the prestigious Yamin Hazarika Woman of Substance Award at a recent event held in Guwahati. The award, now in its tenth year, is a tribute to the memory of Yamin Hazarika, a pioneering officer of the 1977 batch of the DANIPS cadre. Hazarika served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Delhi until her untimely passing in 1999 at the age of 43. She was among India’s earliest female police leaders and an inspiration for women in law enforcement.
The event saw GP Singh, the Director General of Police, Assam,attended as the chief guest, alongside guest of honor Dipannita Jaiswal, MD of Dy 365. Singh, in his address, highlighted the continued struggles women in police service face, remarking that even today, female officers encounter basic challenges, such as inadequate restroom facilities while on duty.
The awardee, Mamang Dai, is an acclaimed poet and novelist who writes in English. Her journalism career spans work with Hindustan Times, The Telegraph, and The Sentinel, and she has served as President of the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists. Dai has also been involved with the World Wide Fund for Nature, particularly with the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspots program.
Dai’s literary contributions have earned her numerous accolades. She received the state Verrier Elwin Award in 2003 for her book Arunachal Pradesh – The Hidden Land, which highlights the rich culture and customs of the region’s diverse communities. In 2011, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions to literature and education, and in 2017, she received the Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel The Black Hill.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Women and Translation,” which included panelists Dr. Pori Hiloidari, Madhu Raghavendra, and Indrani Raimedhi. Nasreen Habib moderated the session, which offered insights into the role of translation in amplifying women’s voices and perspectives in literature.
This year’s Yamin Hazarika Woman of Substance Award reaffirms the dedication and achievements of women who, like Yamin Hazarika and Mamang Dai, continue to break boundaries in their fields.