OUR CORRESPONDENT
TEZPUR: In a significant cultural engagement, Union Minister and former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the century-old Ban Theatre in Tezpur on Monday and pledged to transform the historic institution into a nationally-celebrated centre for Assamese culture.
Speaking during his visit, Sonowal emphasized the vital role Ban Theatre has played in preserving and showcasing Assam’s rich artistic legacy. He assured that every effort would be made to elevate it into a prominent national-level cultural institution.
“Ban Theatre continues to uphold the identity and pride of the Assamese people. If we want Assam’s voice to resonate globally, institutions like Ban Theatre must be strengthened and modernized,” Sonowal stated.
Established in 1906, Ban Theatre has remained a beacon of performing arts in Assam. As the venue undergoes a phase of modernization with state funding, the Union Minister’s visit marked an important step in assessing its progress. Upon his arrival, he was ceremonially welcomed by former president of Ban Theatre and noted educationist Mahendra Nath Keot, vice-presidents Dilip Bora and Bhabananda Das, and General Secretary Jitumoni Devachoudhury, who also presented the Minister with a commemorative phulam gamusa, historical publications, and a memento.
Devchoudhury provided a brief overview of the theatre’s heritage, while Executive Member Pankaj Baruah, who anchored the event, introduced key moments and contributions of Ban Theatre.
In his address, Sonowal remembered the contributions of veteran artists who laid the foundation of Ban Theatre and reiterated the need to position such institutions as cultural ambassadors for Assam’s identity. He highlighted that theatres like Ban can play a major role in carrying forward Assam’s spiritual, cultural, and social values.
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