Bridging Borders Through Literature: Ramchandra Chutia Receives Lummer Dai Award

Renowned author Ramchandra Chutia was honored with the Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award-2025 by the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) in Tezpur, Assam, on Sunday. The award ceremony, held at the Lummer Dai Smriti Bhavan, coincided with Lummer Dai’s 85th birth anniversary. Lummer Dai was a pivotal figure in Arunachal Pradesh’s literature and journalism, and the award was established in his memory.

Tezpur MLA Prithviraj Rava presented the award to Chutia, which included a citation, a memento, a collection of books, and Rs 50,000. Rava also announced his intention to give the APLS a documentary based on Lummer Dai’s novel, Kanyar Mulya, and urged them to translate a chapter from Bishnu Rabha Rachanawali called Bane Kebang, promising his support for literary and social initiatives.

Former Assam education minister Brindaban Goswami praised Lummer Dai as a symbol of unity, noting his efforts to advocate for tribal rights and reforms through his writings. He also stressed the importance of stronger ties between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Upon receiving the award, Chutia, who has a long connection with Arunachal Pradesh, called for peace and cooperation between the two states.

Born in Dhakuakhana, Assam, in 1952, Chutia has penned 29 books, including eight on the socio-anthropological aspects of various Arunachal tribes. His diverse works include poetry, novels, short stories, and travelogues, written in both Assamese and English. Chutia dedicated 40 years of service to Arunachal Pradesh’s education system, starting as a primary school teacher in 1971 and retiring as a principal in 2010.

Meanwhile, in East Siang district, Lummer Dai’s 85th birth anniversary was also celebrated grandly. Asom Sahitya Sabha (ASS) president Dr. Basanta Kumar Goswami unveiled a statue of Lummer Dai. Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing spoke about literature as a reflection of history and culture, while Padma Shri awardee Mamang Dai commended the ASS for organizing the event. An inter-state cultural program was also part of the celebrations.