Thursday, January 27 2005 20:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: Assam Sahitya Sabha president-elect Kanak Sen Deka refusing to accept the Padmashree conferred upon him said today (Jan 27, 2005) that the acceptance of the award would amount to 'undermining' the recognition given to him by the people of Assam.

"There is no question of me accepting the Padma award as the people of Assam have already honoured and given me recognition by awarding me with Sangbad Jyoti, Sangbad Ratna, Sangbad Surjya and Sangbad Mukut trophies," he told sources in Guwahati.

Sen Deka, the editor of one of the oldest prominent Assamese daily 'Dainik Agradoot' said he had already received several other national awards and his acceptance of the Padma award will lower the esteem in which the people of the State held him.

He said he had already informed the State home commissioner about his decision.