Faced with bandh calls, musicians in Assam get together for Freedom Jam

A day that is of immense significance in the lives of every Indian. The entire country wakes up on this particular day to celebrate their state’s independence. The day is a national holiday in India and widespread jubilation is witnessed amongst people of different religion, caste and creed. Besides the government-sponsored celebrations, people from different walks of life get to together to celebrate their being Indians, when more focus is given on strengthening the bond of brotherhood rather than on fighting amongst themselves for petty differences.

The scenario in Northeast India, especially in Assam, is a bit different, with most of the people being forced to stay indoors due to the bandh diktat of the countless militant and insurgent outfits. Thanks to the bandh calls, the very essence of the day is lost and for the people it is another lazy day to while away at home as most people refrain from coming out of their homes to go to work, vehicles remaining off their roads and businessmen and traders downing their shutters. A true ‘celebration’ of our independence.

But things are slowly changing. Since last year, musicians of the city have started to celebrate the day by jamming on the city roads. Led by musicians and music lovers like Rupam, Mrinal, Aiyushman, Arzoo, David, Rabiul, Deepak and the like, the jamming session was a huge success as lots of passers-by joined the impromptu jamming session and lit candles by the roadside. The musicians got together once again this year and together they struck a chord or two to celebrate the day, much to the delight of all those who came out of their homes last Sunday evening.

Aiyushman Dutta, one of the initiators of the session and secretary of the Eastern Beats Music Society, says, “There are no big names or stars involved in the Freedom Jam session and everyone is free to join. There were no backdrops or logos and the only motive behind organizing the session was to celebrate Independence day through music. Candles are lit in the evening by the roadside and the entire act results in the creation of a very serene atmosphere, befitting the sanctity of the day.”

Rupam Bora, one of the initiators of the session, said that the number of musicians slated to participate in the session would increase this year. “Last year it was more of an impromptu session. But a number of prolific musicians, amateurs as well as simple music lovers are expected to join us this year.”

The response of the public towards the jamming session is increasing with each year. While only a handful of people could be noticed last year, thousands of people thronged the small empty pavement near Commerce College last Sunday evening to watch the performance of the musicians.