HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Aug 1: The 55th death anniversary of Natasurjya Phani Sarma, a towering figure of Assamese modern theatre and cinema, was observed with solemnity and reverence across Sonitpur district on Friday.
Various institutions, cultural organisations, and citizens paid homage to the legendary dramatist at his birthplace through a series of commemorative events.
Related Posts:
A central tribute programme was organised by the Sonitpur district administration at Sarma’s gravesite near his residence.
The ceremony began with the ceremonial lighting of lamps by his elder son Ajit Sarma, Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, and District Commissioner Ananda Kumar Das.
The event, coordinated by Baan Theatre member Pankaj Baruah, witnessed participation from several dignitaries including Development Commissioner Lakhinandan Saharia, ADCs Dyotibha Bora, Twahir Alam, and Kamal Baruah, AMTRON Vice-Chairperson Ritu Baran Sarma, BJP Sonitpur District President Madhusmita Hazarika Deka, Tezpur Development Authority Chairperson Biswadev Bhattacharya, and several office bearers and artists from Baan Theatre.
Reflections on Sarma’s life and legacy were shared by the District Commissioner, MLA Prithiraj Rava, Development Commissioner Saharia, and Baan Theatre General Secretary Jitumoni Dev Choudhury. Veteran actor Bhupen Sarma and Phani Sarma’s grandson Nabajyoti Sarma presented dramatic excerpts from the playwright’s noted works Siraj and Kiyo, bringing his characters to life on stage.
Parallel observances were also held across the district.
At Sahitya Sabha Bhavan, Tezpur Sahitya Sabha hosted a commemorative event presided over by its president Dhruba Jyoti Das. Cultural activist and former student leader Santanu Mahanta delivered a lecture highlighting Sarma’s embodiment of Jyotiprasad’s vision of the ‘human artist’ and his lasting contributions to realism in Assamese theatre and cinema.
A novel titled Makon by Nijara Rani Devi was also unveiled on the occasion by noted author Dr. Bhupen Saikia.
Sonitpur Zila Sahitya Sabha organised a separate tribute at Teleria LP School, presided over by Dipu Kanta Bora, president of the Teleria branch of Asam Sahitya Sabha.
The event was attended by Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava as chief guest and Asam Sahitya Sabha Publicity Committee Executive President Mahendra Kumar Nath as distinguished guest.
Nath, in his lecture, urged citizens to follow the ideals of cultural pioneers like Phani Sarma for the preservation and advancement of Assamese language and identity.
Political organisation Raijor Dal also held a commemorative programme titled Nate-Mate Ebela at Sarma’s residence.
The event was attended by the organisation’s vice president Rishiraj Kaundinya, general secretary Alok Nath, district president Rabindra Kumar Bora, and several cultural figures including actress Dr Jahanara Begum, playwright Aishwarya Kakati, singer Kamal Rasid Ahmed, and former student leader Santanu Mahanta.
The meeting began with lamp lighting by Ajit Sarma and featured an announcement of medical assistance to him and renovation of the family home.
Aishwarya Kakati appealed to the government for early completion of the planned memorial.
Meanwhile, Baan Theatre, which was shaped by Natasurjya himself, began a two-day tribute programme with a memorial meeting inaugurated by Ajit Sarma.
The opening day featured a children’s drama presentation. Additional events were also held at Jyoti Bharati under the Department of Cultural Affairs and at Sri Sri Sankardev Mandir, Majgaon.
