HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Oct 30: Young researcher, writer and preserver of Assamese musical heritage, Manjit Rajkonwar, was honoured with the “Hemanta Kumar Barua Memorial Youth Award” during a commemorative programme marking the fourth death anniversary of the renowned educationist and professor Hemanta Kumar Barua. The event was organised by the Hemanta Kumar Barua Memorial Preservation Committee in association with the Barua family and the Alumni Association of Darrang College at the college auditorium on Wednesday.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes by Barua’s wife Himadri Barua and daughter Ankita Barua, followed by a rendition of Borgeet by Hira Moni Lahkar.
Related Posts:
Dr Jayanta Madhab Tamuli, professor at Srimanta Sankardeva University, delivered the memorial lecture on “Children’s Literature and Translation—Relevance and Challenges.” He highlighted the importance of understanding the psychology of children in writing literature for young audiences and stressed the need for creative boundaries to maintain emotional balance.
The award was presented to Manjit Rajkonwar by retired professors Dr Satish Chandra Bhattacharyya, Dr Ramesh Chandra Goswami, Dr Bhubaneswar Saharia, along with members of Barua’s family. Rajkonwar received a gamosa, shawl, books, citation, memento and cash honorarium.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajkonwar shared his admiration for Barua and highlighted Tezpur’s historical contributions to Assamese modern music, referencing prominent figures like Lambodar Bora, Laxmidhar Sarma, Padmanath Gohain Baruah, Lakshmiram Baruah, Nabin Chandra Bardoloi and Ananda Chandra Agarwala.
Prominent actress Dr Jahanara Begum recalled Barua’s distinctive qualities, while senior lyricist Bankim Sarma, president of Baan Theatre, remembered him as a “treasure-house of spontaneous humour and warmth.” Several other dignitaries also paid homage, reflecting on Barua’s human values, artistic brilliance and lasting legacy.
Among those present were Dr Bhupen Saikia (Adviser, Memorial Committee), Dhrubajyoti Das (president, Alumni Association of Darrang College), Dr Palashmoni Saikia (principal, Darrang College), and Narayan Nath (president, Sonitpur Artists’ Guild). The programme was presided over by Committee president Birendra Kumar Bora, with a welcome address by joint secretary Bhupen Barua. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks from Bora.
