HT Digital,
Tezpur, Dec 27: Aniram Nath, the master drummer from Pithakhuwa, Tezpur, breathed his last yesterday evening at around 5:30 PM at his residence due to age-related ailments. The 82-year-old artist, who was also a recipient of the State Government’s Artist Pension, was conferred the Kalaguru Award at the Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha Sangeet Mahotsav held in Tezpur in 2019 under the leadership of singer Zubeen Garg.
A village artist and farmer by livelihood, he devoted his entire life to the drum he carried with him. After receiving the Pranab Singh Award from the Sonitpur Journalist Union, the Kalaguru Artist Foundation—formed under Zubeen Garg’s leadership—honoured Aniram Nath with the Kalaguru Award at the Kalaguru Sangeet Mahotsav held at historic Hazarapar, Tezpur on 21–22 January 2019. A hardworking and dedicated artist, he first came into contact with Bishnu Prasad Rabha in 1966. Under the guidance of his teacher, Mahendra Saikia of Gohpur, the octogenarian mastered the 24 drum rhythms. He received the State Artist Pension in 2022 and, in 2023, the Mohan Bhaira Memorial Award from Nalbari Students’ Union and Nalbari Zila Unnati Sabha.
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It is notable that Aniram Nath, son of late Khargeswar Nath and late Kharge Devi, could pursue formal education only up to Class III due to financial hardship. From the age of 12, he began playing the drum and earned appreciation from audiences across Assam by performing at various places. In 1967, master drummer late Mahendra Saikia of Dubia, Gohpur, conferred on him the title of Dholor Oja (Master Drummer).
With deep devotion to art and culture and a dignified artistic persona, Nath was highly skilled in playing the dhol, khol, nagara, dotara, tokari, pepa, flute, and gogona. He had displayed remarkable mastery and technique in the art of drumming.
With his demise, a pall of grief has fallen not only on Pithakhuwa and Tezpur but also among many organisations and individuals, including the local Bar Namghar Management Committee, All Assam Journalists Association, Assam Nationalist Youth Students’ Union, Ban Theatre, All Sonitpur District Students’ Union, Karmabir Chandra Nath Sharma Literary Society, Assam Natya Sanmilan Bihaguri Branch, West Tezpur Brajanath Sharma Branch Natya Sanmilan, Samadal, Bihaguri Mini Stadium, Tezpur Sadar Regional Students’ Union, West Tezpur Regional Students’ Union, Tezpur’s Natarajam Kala Mandir, Tezpur Regional Students’ Union, Sonitpur Journalist Union, Tezpur Press Club, Jyotisnata Youth Council, Bihaguri Senior Citizens’ Forum, and several other organisations and individuals.
Significantly, the renowned master drummer leaves behind his two sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and countless admirers. His last rites will be performed today at the local public cremation ground. Since morning, numerous admirers and well-wishers have gathered at his residence to pay their respects.
