Skip to content Skip to navigation

Bhasa Sanskriti Milan Utsav held

The 13th Bhasha Sanskriti Milan Utsav 2019 – a cultural event, organised by the state’s well-known socio-cultural organisation Byatikram MASDO (Mass Awareness and Social Development Oraganisation), successfully concluded at the Pragjyotish ITA Centre, Machkhowa, Guwahati, recently. The five-day event, held to mark the Mother Language Day - a day celebrated annually on February 21 worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism and the preservation and protection of languages, saw several cultural programmes, discussions, book launches, poets’ meets, art exhibitions, felicitations, among others, where several artistes and noted figures from Bangladesh and Assam participated.

This year, Bhasha Sanskriti Milan Utsav 2019, that took place from February 21 to 25, chiefly comprised of three main events - Ekkushe Samman, Kobitar Anusthaan, and an art exhibition titled ‘Jugalbandi’ in addition to a live performance by the noted folk band Dohar.

The special celebration on February 23 kicked-off with an art exhibition titled ‘Jugalbandi’ presented by noted fine arts artistes from Bangladesh - Jamal Hossain and Abida Hossain, which perfectly captured the individuals’ passion and strength,  followed by a scintillating live performance by the Kolkata-based folk band Dohar, which has played a significant role in popularising Bengali and Assamese folk music. The art exhibition was graced by the eminent artist Noni Borpujari, noted singer Manisha Hazarika, Usharanjan Bhattacharya, Assistant High Commissioner and Head of Mission, Bangladesh High Commission, Dr Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur, Hasan Arif, among others. On the occasion, Borpujari recalled being profoundly enriched by a trip to Bangladesh, which possesses a diverse and extremely rich folklore, art and cultural heritage.  “I consider myself extremely fortunate to witness Jamal Hossain’s art work for the first time, and they are a testimony to his wonderful artistry,” said Dr Monsur.  “I can never forget how India stood with Bangladesh during the Liberation War. We are eternally grateful to India for that. On that good note, we have always maintained cordial relations with the country and its regional players. Off course, I would like to offer my special thanks to Byatikram and its President Dr Saumen Bharatiya, who has been playing a pivotal role in deepening our relationship with Assam for so many years now,” said Hasan Arif. Dr Bharatiya on his part spoke about the importance of organising an event like Bhasha Sanskriti Milan Utsav on the occasion of Mother Language Day, which has now stepped into its 13th year. “Even organisations like the Asam Sahitya Sabha and the Karbi Anglong District Sahitya Sabha have been observing Mother Language Day, which has gained broad appeal and momentum with people hailing from different backgrounds,” he added. The noted guests Bidhan Dasgupta, Manoj Rai, Udayan Biswas, Dipankar Kar, Bangladesh’s Sheela Mustafa and Munni Saha, among others, were felicitated on the occasion. The special segment of the cultural evening - Kobitar Anusthaan, saw the participation of noted artistes from the neighbouring country. The day started with a sitar recital by Debidatta De of Guwahati. De, who  completed her BMusic degree from Kolkata, Allahabad and Lucknow universities, kept the audience at the Pragjyotish ITA Centre spellbound with her dexterous display of sitar playing. The talented artiste, who is training under eminent sitar exponents Prodyumna Das and Indra Konwar, has already performed in a series of musical concerts and cultural evenings in various places, not just in the State, but also in various parts of the country. Debidatta De’s distinct style of playing is a development of the Maihar gharana school of playing to which her first guru, the eminent exponent of sitar Prodyumna Das, who was a disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, belongs.


Shankar Lal Goenka being felicitated with the Ekkushe Samman during the 13th Bhasha Sanskriti Milan Utsav 2019

As it was early evening, De chose  to play the Raga Yaman. She started with a short alap, followed by a beautiful drut gat, along with several tans, Bol tans, toda, vistars and jhala. A full-time ‘Art of Living’ teacher, Debidatta De has performed as a opening act in live shows by eminent ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, popular Bengali singer Aditi Munsi, Kolkata-based prominent singer of Rabindra Sangeet Lopamudra Mitra, Rabindra Sangeet exponent from Bangladesh Rezwana Choudhury Banya, etc.

The awarding of the ‘Ekkushe Samman’ is a tradition that recognises the most eminent scholars, who have contributed immensely in safeguarding their respective mother languages. The award acknowledges the committed endeavours of people striving to promote the significance and awareness of mother languages and cultural diversity. This year, the Ekkushe Samman was presented to five individuals for their exceptional contributions in their chosen fields of work. Veteran film producer Shankar Lal Goenka was awarded - for his influential work in the social sphere, popular actor Jatin Bora - for his contribution to Assamese Cinema, Dr Maniklal Bhowmick - for his work in the field of literature, Nibedita Tarafdar, a well-known dancer, for her contribution to the field of theatre and dance, and Sankha Subhra Devbarman, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, for his contribution in the field of Literature.

On the occasion, a tribute function dedicated to the memory of renowned folk singer, researcher and co-founder of the band Dohar, Kalika Prasad Bhattacharya took place with the keen participation of a number of people, including his better-half Ritacheta Goswami, his daughter Ashabori Bhattacharya, Nandini Chakraborty, among others.

The range of programmes also coincided with a book release function. No event organised by Byatkram MASDO is complete without a book release. ‘Boguli Pokhi Aru Haramai Bhattrita’, written by Jamal Hussain, and Mangala Bhattacharjee’s ‘Moner Akashe’ was released on the occasion. An MOU signed between the Asam Sahitya Sabha and the Bangladesh Sanskritik Mancha Guth took place on the final day of the event.

It has to be mentioned here that the people of Bangladesh, who fought for their right to speak their mother tongue, have been celebrating February 21 as the Mother Language Day since 1952, when students sacrificed their lives for the recognition of Bengali as one of the state languages of Pakistan. In 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as the International Mother Language Day, when a draft resolution, tabled by the Bangladesh government, was unanimously adopted during the plenary meeting of the UNESCO General Conference, proclaiming the day as the International Mother Language Day.  
The fundamental aim of Byatikram MASDO, which has been organising this festival for the past 12 years, is to create awareness on the need to preserve and promote one’s mother tongue through the medium of literature and performing arts, stress the importance of cultural diversity and at the same time, find some underlying common elements which unify the diverse cultures of India and Bangladesh.

 

Author info

Prantik Deka's picture

Prantik Deka. Email: prantikdeka@gmail.com

Add new comment

Assamese Translator

Assam Times seeks English to Assamese translators!
Join our volunteer team.
Email editor@assamtimes.org.

Random Stories

Strain in AGP-BJP patch up

5 Mar 2017 - 2:15pm | AT News
In a move that can embitter AGP-BJP patch up, the government has appointed 23 chairmen and 18 deputy chairmen to the various government undertaking where the regional coalition partner is quite...

Army organises 'Career Mela' for students at Dimakuchi

18 Nov 2011 - 4:54am | Jayanta Kumar Das
The Kargil Gunners of the Red Horns Division based at Udalguri organized a unique 'Career Mela' for student community at Dimakuchi College on November 17. The aim of the 'Career Mela' was to educate...

Bai-tho Puja at Dangori from March 8

16 Feb 2012 - 4:52pm | Anup Arandhara
The religious auspicious festival of Sonowal Kochari “Bai-tho puja” will be celebrated at Dangori-Borpathar of Tinsukia district March 4-7. The festival will start with...

Nalbari Balst: 2 injured

25 Jan 2008 - 12:58pm | editor
Three peope have been injured while a powerful blast rocked a vegetable market in Nalbari. The explosion took place at 6in the evening. The injure peopes have been rushed to the hospital. They are...

Other Contents by Author

After the critical acclaim and awards for his documentary "Veerangana," Guwahati-based filmmaker Kishore Kalita is making waves with his new project, "Letters From Vietnam." This travelogue through the Southeast Asian country has been officially selected for the Max Sir International Film Festival 2024 in Costa Rica. Kalita's journey through Vietnam captured the country's stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. From the serene Halong Bay to the bustling city of Hanoi, the film showcases the diverse experiences and insights gained during his visit. "It was a spiritually moving experience to visit and film such fascinating places in Vietnam," Kalita said. "The...
Breaking barriers, the Assamese film "The Last Honour" has embarked on a global journey, captivating audiences worldwide. This powerful feature film, based on the true story penned by renowned writer Jitumoni Bora, chronicles an extraordinary life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film recently premiered at the Himachal International Film Festival, where director Rosy Bora, in her directorial debut, received the Best Director award. The film itself garnered rave reviews from both the jury and the audience. Produced by Mrinal Bin Qutub under the Jeuti Production banner, "The Last Honour" has secured a spot in over 15 national and international film festivals, winning multiple...
The 106th birth anniversary of legendary Assamese musician Purushottam Das was recently observed in a glittering function organised by the Amguri Puberun Cultural Organisation of Sivasagar district and Sangeet Khanikor Purushottam Das Smriti Raksha Samiti, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Govt of Assam, at the premises of Amguri Auniatia Hemchandra Dev Higher Secondary School. The function started off with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the principal of the school, Amarjyoti Borthakur, who delivered a brief speech. The state's eminent music director and composer Ramen Choudhury, who is an adviser of the Smriti Raksha Samiti, laid a wreath at the...
Guwahati: The trailer and poster for 'Baruar Xongxar' (The House of Baruas), a documentary highlighting the renowned Assam-type house at Latasil in Guwahati and its influential occupants, were released on November 11, 2023. The 71-minute film, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Utpal Borpujari, will have its world premiere at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, under the Indian Panorama section. The poster and trailer launch, attended by legendary musician Ramen Barua and eminent singer Dwipen Barua, took place at the centennial house. Producers Nayan Prasad, Jemini Phukan, and Dibyajyoti Saharia, from Surjya and Jemini Phukan Production, joined the event...
Guwahati: The timeless Assamese classic 'Auto-Rickshaw Chalao Ami Duyu Bhai', originally penned and composed by legendary musician Dr Bhupen Hazarika in the 1970s, has been revitalized with the release of a new music video titled 'Dignity of Labour.' Directed by Ashok Bora and produced by Pranabjyoti Neog, the video was officially launched at the Guwahati Press Club on November 5, commemorating Dr Bhupen Hazarika's 12th death anniversary. Notable personalities, including novelist Leena Sharma, Manoj Saikia, chairman of Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation, and vocalist Mausumi Saharia, attended the event. The original song, sung by Dr Bhupen Hazarika and his brother Jayanta...
Assam down town University, a leading private educational institution in North East India, is set to introduce an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Film Appreciation, aiming to enrich students' aesthetic and entertainment perspectives. The meticulously designed six-month course will impart fundamental knowledge about the art of filmmaking and emphasize the critical appreciation of cinema. Dr. N. C. Talukdar, the Vice-Chancellor of Assam down town University, mentioned that the course will initially be accessible to university students. Following the initial phase, the program will be extended to external students, film enthusiasts, and professionals within the film industry. Dr....
Joydeep Goswami, a composer and singer from Assam, has made a striking debut as a film producer with his Hindi movie ‘Ginti’ (The Countdown). The psychological horror thriller has received critical acclaim at film festivals globally, including the Cannes Film Festival 2023 and the Lift-Off Film Festival 2023. The film explores the mind of a contract killer struggling with schizophrenia. It's directed by M Durga Prasad and praised for its gripping narrative. Goswami is well-known for his music career, with popular albums and singles under his belt. He established his production house JD Motion Pictures, and with the help of a talented creative team, brought the idea for ‘Ginti’ to life....
A launch event was held in Guwahati to celebrate the release of Saurav Kumar Das's latest book, "Jalukbarit Mur Xunuwali Otit". Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury, former Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University, released the book during the ceremony. The book is an autobiographical memoir of the author's memories of the 1970s spent in Jalukbari, also known as the country of Krishnachura. Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury, in his keynote speech, praised the author's ability to capture the essence of the bygone era and show reverence to Gauhati University. He also mentioned the opportunity for authors to enter the new literature that is being produced globally through writing such an autobiographical work....
The Roopkar Awards, instituted in honor of distinguished cine-journalist and litterateur Pabitra Kumar Deka, were presented to acclaimed actor of theatre and cinema Pranjal Saikia and National Award-winning filmmaker Mridul Gupta for the years 2021 and 2022, respectively, during a ceremony held at the Pabitra Kumar Deka Archive on January 5th. These awards, given out every two years, were presented by the state's distinguished litterateur and former editor of Asomiya Pratidin, Nitya Bora. In his keynote speech, Bora highlighted Pabitra Kumar Deka's significant and noteworthy contributions to Assamese culture and literature. He stated, "Pabitra Kumar Deka has written extensively on a...
Get ready for the much-awaited music video of 'Xur Tumi' to be released soon! After serving more than 15 years as an officer in the Indian Navy, Assam born and bred Tirthank Nath returned to his hometown Dhing in Nagaon district this year after taking voluntary retirement. He had always pursued his deep-seated passion for songwriting, but began to pursue it professionally after he took over his family business. After serving for many years, he felt a strong desire to be with his family and felt that it was important for him to be there for them. Tirthank has an innate talent for writing beautiful songs. His initial success as a songwriter came last year with the song 'Xuworoni...