Shekhar Gupta,Shabana Azmi conferred national integration award

Guwahati, Sep 27 (UNI) The Assam government today announced to confer the Fakaruddin Ali Ahmed Award for National Integration on eminent journalist Shekhar Gupta and noted actress and social activist Shabana Azmi for the year 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Informing this at a press conference here, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, ''They have been chosen for the award for their contribution towards bringing the people together and closer through their respective work.

The award would be formally conferred on them on October 19 by President Pratibha Patil when the latter visit the state.

The award carries a citation and cash award of Rs two lakh.

Late Sunil Dutt was the first recipient of the award, instituted in memory of the former President of India.

UNI SG PL SP CS1646