The Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26 is an event that showcases the variegated cultures of India, as also the military might of the country. That day, the Rajpath from Raisina Hills to the India Gate turns into a mini India, with cultural troupes from different States presenting their rich culture and heritage in a colourful procession. Different lively tableaux are also displayed by the States and are the prime attractions of the parade. While the parade is witnessed by thousands of spectators, including dignitaries of the country, as well as distinguished foreign guests, the programme is beamed across the globe for millions of television viewers worldwide.

Assam has been showcasing its rich cultural heritage as also its developments in various spheres of life through these tableaux from time to time through the State Directorate of Cultural Affairs. The Assam tableaux have also been adjudged the best on more than one occasion, bringing laurels to the State. A number of people are involved in the conceptualising and designing of these tableaux. Noted art director Nuruddin Ahmed, cultural activist Hrishikesh Baishya, enterprising youth Atanu Bora and others have successfully borne the responsibility of making these colourful tableaux on different themes. A Kolkata-based artist Bapa Chakravarty, too, was involved in the making of such tableaux initially. Artisans from Assam assemble at the Rashtriya Rangashala in New Delhi one month prior to the grand parade and they all work together to bring to life the State’s rich heritage on the tableau.

And the person whose contributions towards helping these Assam tableaux hog the limelight with their varied themes and colourful designs is Abinash Sarma, a deputy director in the Directorate of Cultural Affairs. It was the conceptualisation of Abinash Sarma that the 1986 tableau, designed to highlight the rich and colourful Satriya culture of Assam, brought the maiden best award for the State. Post 1986, he conceptualised Assam tableaux on various occasions, earning plaudits from spectators and dignitaries alike. The themes of the tableaux ranged from the traditional terracotta to muga rearing and weaving. Of these, the 2003 tableau that was given the final shape by Hrishikesh Baishya won the best award for the second time.

A dramatist and director of repute, Abinash Sarma has also been contributing immensely in the field of dramatics in the State. He has directed a number of plays under the banner of the drama division of the State Directorate of Cultural Affairs, to the aesthetic satisfaction of culture lovers. He also has a number of radio plays to his credit. An artist from the core of his heart, who loves to remain behind the scenes, Sarma delves deep into the subject or theme of a tableau before he conceptualises it on his drawing board. It needs comprehensive research and proper planning, as even a slight discrepancy might come in the way of the tableau model getting approval from the expert committee in New Delhi. It needs mention here that the expert committee thoroughly scrutinises the tableau models of various States before giving the final nod for their rolling on the Rajpath.

Assam, however, has not been fortunate enough to display its tableaux every Republic Day parade. In the three years prior to 1999, there was no representation from Assam. However, Assam made a record of sorts by showcasing its tableaux for a record eight years to project before the national audience its rich cultural heritage, as also the State’s development strides in different spheres. But in last year’s Republic Day parade, there was no Assam tableau, much to the disappointment of the people back home. It also caught the attention of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who openly expressed his dissatisfaction over the matter. But there’s no denying the fact that every Assamese wants the display of Assam tableaux in the Republic Day parade in an attractive manner.

Kamal Kr Bhagawati