Achievers from various fields conferred Bangabibhusan Award

A slew of achievers from different fields, from sports to science, were today conferred the Bangabibhusan Award to mark the second anniversary of the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal.
On the occasion, Banerjee said "Work for turning around the state in the path of development has begun."
"As the government steps into its third year, we dedicate this day to Ma, Mati, Manush (mother, country and people)," she said.
Governor M K Narayanan, who gave away the awards commended the chief minister for instituting this award.
"I commend the chief minister for conferring this award to a select list of celebrities who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields through their outstanding contribution to the society and nation," he said.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, Olympian footballers P K Banerjee and Chuni Goswami, actor Mithun Chakraborty, dancer Thankamani Kutti were among those conferred the prestigious Bangabibhusan award.

Recipients were given a citation and Rs two lakh each.
Industrialist B K Birla, a recipient of the award, could not be present as he was abroad, Banerjee said, adding, he would be given away the award after his return.
The other awardees include scientist Dr Samir Brahmachari, film maker Ritoporno Ghosh, football legend Tulsidas Balaram, mountaineer Aung Narvu Sherpa, film actors of yesteryear Sandhya Roy and Sabitri Chatterjee, noted baul singer Purnadas Baul, veteran journalist Amitabha Chowdhury, painter Subhaprasanna and hockey Olympian Gurbux Singh.

Ace tennis player Leander Peas, Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, paddler Poulami Ghatak, former India women's cricket captain Jhulan Goswami and social worker D C Murmu were conferred this year's "Bangabhusan award".
These awards were conceived by Mamata Banerjee after she came to power in 2011.