HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, July 20: Noted Assamese poet Pranab Kumar Barman was conferred the honorary title of “Kabya Konwar” (Prince of Poetry) by socio-cultural organisation Prayas at the “Akou Prayas” programme held at the Baliram Lahkar Hall of Asomiya Club, Tezpur, on Sunday.
The title was ceremonially presented by Prayas president Achyut Sarma, secretary Pritam Bora, reception committee president Pankaj Baruah, and Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rabha.
Related Posts:
The event also featured the release of Prem Aru Bidrohar Jui (Flame of Love and Rebellion), a poetry collection by Pritam Bora, which was formally unveiled by Barman, Rabha, retired professor Purneswar Nath, and former principal of Darrang College Dr Abani Kumar Sarma.
A new Assamese modern song sung by Abhipriya Goswami, composed by Sanjay Krishna Gohain Baruah and penned by lyricist Mukut Goswami, was also launched during the programme.
The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Khirada Mahanta, widow of late Sattradhikar Putul Mahanta, followed by a Borgeet performance by Hiramoni Lahkar.
Addressing the audience, MLA Prithiraj Rabha lamented the decline of Tezpur’s literary and cultural heritage, stating, “When core values thrive, politics and culture alike can keep a nation alive and vibrant.”
In his speech, Pranab Kumar Barman urged the youth to protect their cultural legacy, drawing parallels with poets Federico Garcia Lorca and Pablo Neruda.
He recited his poem Half Lata Mangeshkar, Half Mohammed Rafi and remarked that humanity must rise above its war-loving mindset to create a beautiful world, citing Jewish commitment to language and culture as an example.
Prayas secretary Pritam Bora reflected on the challenges faced by the organisation in recent years, during a session presided over by Achyut Sarma.
This was followed by a lecture by Purneswar Nath.
The event concluded with the official launch of Abhipriya Goswami’s song.
The entire programme was anchored by Pankaj Baruah.
