Saikia

Saikia and its alternative forms - Saikiah, Xoikiya, Soikia etc. is a surname from Assam, India.

Etymology

The word Saikia, (Assamese: শইকীয়া Xôykiya) (Ahom language - Ru-Pak) (Assamese pronunciation: [xɔʏkija]) is a derivative of the Assamese word - Xô, meaning 'one hundred - 100'. It was a military title given to the officials of the Ahom monarchy.

Historical Usage

The Ahom Kingdom of medieval Assam used the Paik system, a form of corvee labour In this system, a Paik (one soldier) was the tiniest unit of the Ahom military system. A Saikia was the commanding officer of 100 such paiks. The appointment of a Saikia was the responsibility of his Phukan (commander of 6000 paiks) or Rajkhowa (governor of a territory who could command 2000 to 3000 paiks). The paiks had the right to reject a Saikia and request another officer of their choice. Appointments were made irrespective of the paik's religion or ethnicity.

Current Usage

Over the years, the usage of this title has ceased to be a professional or military title. The surname is now common to Hindus in Assam. Among the Hindus, the surname is mostly written by the Sutiyas, while other groups carrying the surname may belong to Kalitas, Koch and Thengal Kacharis.

Pratidin Time

Pratidin Time (Assamese: প্ৰতিদিন টাইম) is a 24-hour Assamese news channel. The programs of the channel include various infotainment, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, showbiz, fashion, education etc.

History

Pratidin Time was launched as 'News Time Assam' on 25 December 2010 at Ulubari, Guwahati. It was owned by Kolkata based Brand Value Communications Ltd under Rose Valley Group of Companies. In 2015, the channel was acquired by Pratidin Group and re-branded as Pratidin Time.

Nitumoni Saikia is currently working as the Editor-in-chief for the channel.

Controversies

In July 2014, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered to ban the transmission of News Time Assam for one day from midnight 30 July 2014 along with another Assamese news channel DY 365. This came as an effect of telecasting news stories about two girls and a member of the Legislative Assembly in 30 and 31 October 2013, content of which was found to be violated certain provisions of the programme code prescribed under cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the rules framed there under.