HT Correspondent
NAGAON, Jan 2: The Kalong Kola Kendra located at Puranigudam in Nagaon district, celebrated the inaugural ceremony of its golden jubilee celebration on January 1 last.
The event began with the hoisting of 26 flags, accompanied by the auspicious sounds of drums, cymbals, and other traditional instruments.
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The flags were hoisted by various dignitaries, including former minister Girindra Kumar Baruah, satradhikar of Laiati Satra, Jogal Chandra Dev Goswami, and others.
The event also featured a ‘smriti chitra ankan’ (memory drawing) programme, where artists like Tikendra Jit Saikia and Amitabh Dasgupta participated while singers Prasanta Goswami and Satyakam Bora performed songs, including “Chitralekha Chitralekha” composed by musical maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
The open session of the event was presided over by writer pensioner Phanindra Nath Gayan.
Professor Chandan Kumar Sarma, Tezpur University and a noted scholar, attended the session as the special guest, delivering the keynote address.
He emphasised the importance of art in society, stating that without art, societal progress is impossible. He also highlighted the need to protect the environment and preserve traditional art forms.
Prof Sarma criticised the destruction of nature in the name of progress and development.
He mentioned that the construction of dams on the Brahmaputra river by China has affected the river’s water level. He further emphasised that such “development” is undesirable.
Prof Sarma also spoke about the politicisation of art and culture, stating that art is not separate from politics.
Former minister Girindra Kumar Baruah, who was also attended as one of the guests at the event, praised the Kalong Kola Kendra’s efforts to promote art and culture in the region. He spoke about the importance of art in the society and culture.
Noted scholar of Sankari art and culture, Naren Kalita, another guest, reviewed the activities of the Kalong Kola Kendra and highlighted its contributions to the cultural landscape of Assam.
The event featured various cultural programmes, including music performances by local artists, such as Golap Barua, Duwari Kashyap Saikia, Sankalpita Barkakoti, Snigdha Parashar, Sanskriti Bora and Dakshina Kashyap.
The celebration concluded with the posthumous conferral of the “Naganya Keshari” title on the late Purna Chandra Gayan.
The title was received by his daughter in law Dipika Bora Gayan, and his daughter, Parul Gayan, a press note added here.
