Guwahati: Assam Governor gives away Raseshwar Saikia Satriya Awards

Guwahati: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday attended the 17th Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan Sattriya Award, 2025 and Indian Classical Dance and Music Festival held at the Sri Sri Madhavdev International Auditorium in Panjabari. The event was organized by Sangeet Sattra, in collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, stated a press release.

On the occasion, Governor Acharya conferred the Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan Sattriya Award, 2025 on to two eminent artistes Pt. Rajendra Gangani and Shri Karunadhar Sarma for their outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance and music.

In his address, the Governor Acharya paid homage to Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan on his birth anniversary, recalling his extraordinary dedication to Sattriya culture and his indelible impact influence on Assam's spiritual and artistic heritage. "This is a moment of great pride for all who are connected to the glorious legacy of Sattriya tradition," said the Governor. He expressed deep gratitude to the organizer and lauded Sangeet Sattra's commitment to preserving and promoting this sacred art form since 2009.

Reflecting on the philosophical and spiritual depth of Indian music and dance, the Governor noted that from the Vedic hymns to Borgeets and bhajans, music has remained a profound expression of emotion, devotion, and spiritual pursuit. "Our ancient scriptures, such as the Sama Veda and Natya Shastra, underscore the integral role of music in our civilization," he said, adding that Sattriya draws deeply from this Vedic foundation.

The Governor also recalled the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, and Madhavdeb who envisioned a society rooted in compassion, equality, and universal brotherhood, values that Sattriya culture continues to propagate. "This institution is a living embodiment of that cultural consciousness, as envisioned by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.

Governor Acharya acknowledged the contributions of cultural visionaries like Dr. Maheswar Neog, Dr. Pramod Bhattacharya, Dr. Birendranath Dutta and many others, whose efforts shaped the legacy of Sangeet Sattra. He also paid tribute to Shri Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan, calling him a tireless champion of Sattriya dance and philosophy.

Also Read: Governor attends 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Also Watch: