| Folk workshop With a view to preserving and imparting training to the new generation of singers, a workshop on Borgeet and folk songs was held recently with a three-day programme under the auspices of the Nilachal Education Welfare Society at Nilachal Jatiya Vidyalaya, Kamakhya Gate, Guwahati. The workshop was inaugurated on July 10 by singer Dimbeswar Das, who has also imparted teachings on Kamrupi and Goalpariya Lokageet. The other trainers included Parineeta Goswami, Pranita Baishya Medhi and Arundhati Das Bujarbarua. |
| Tribute to Sakir Sakir Hazarika, the actor with the ever smiling face, is no more. After prolonged illness due to diabetes, he breathed his last on July 14 at a Guwahati nursing home. Sakir was a versatile actor, coping with various roles successfully, whether in films, stage, TV or radio. He has left an indelible mark with his performances in films like Manab Aru Danab, Kachghar, Shesh Bichar, Khoj, Adalat, Paap Aru Prayachitta, Puja, Kushal, etc and TV serials like Birina Pator Anguthi, Surangar Sheshat, a number of radio plays and telefilms like Bahadur Gaonburah and Prahari. Sakir happened to be one of my close associates in many cultural activities. He was witty and all enjoyed his company. He could impress whoever came into contact with him. He was a keen lover of ‘good’ music, specially modern songs based on classical music and ghazals. He used to spend a great deal of time at musical sessions and artist – filmmaker Pulak Gogoi was also a frequent visitor to these gatherings. Sakir has left behind his wife, popular singer Hasina Hazarika, a son and a daughter. I convey my deep condolences to them. May his soul rest in peace. |
| Goalparar Asandhya Production house MK Audio,  launched recently with an objective to patronise folkmusic and indigenous culture for the benefit of the coming generation, amidst the cacophony of cheap westernised and light music, released an album of Goalpariya Lokageet on July 17 at the Kanaklal Barua auditorium, Guwahati. Billed as Sonar Chand Haralam Noidate, the album, containing ten songs, features Baby Bhuyan who does full justice to the venture. It was heartening to see octogenerian sarenda player and devoted practitioner of Goalpariya music Sitanath Roy releasing the album. Roy is a familiar presence for the audience of the legendary Pratima Barua Pandey as he was always beside her in her innumerable stage performances. Smt Roy was also felicitated by the organisers. At the function, Kumari Kasema Khatoon, a prominent writer of Goalpariya literature and culture, dwelt at length on the musical and cultural aspects of Goalpara. The august function, attended by a number of distinguished artistes, writers and journalists, had an added attraction vis-a-vis the songs rendered by Baby Bhuyan, who enthralled the audience accompanied by a group of renowned musicians of Goalparia folk music. Manjit Mahanta spoke about the aims and objects of MK Audio. The function titled ‘Guwahatit Goalparar Asandhya’ was compered by Anupjyoti Chowdhury in his usual inimitable style. |
| Journey of Chihna The 29th annual issue of the art  journal of Gauhati Artists Guild, Chihna reached my hands the other day. Chihna is the only one of its kind in the State, which has been the regularly brought out annually, replete with valuable writings for the lovers of art, specially paintings. The latest issue is edited by Harkumar Deka and Rajkumar Mazindar, in coordination with Jogendra Nath Seal and Nilima Thakuria Haque. The issue covers important write-ups like ‘Tribute to Hemanta Misra’, ‘Masks in the traditional theatre of the Assam region’, Bruce Allan’s ‘Artists’ View’ and various write-ups by Dr Naren Kalita, Dr Pradip Sarma, Parthapratim Gangopadhyay, Harekrishna Deka and others. The Guild deserves praise for bringing out such a publication for the last 29 years. |
Apurba Kumar Das