Noted Tokari Geet artiste Umakanta Bairagi passes away in Guwahati

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Noted Tokari Geet artiste Umakanta Bairagi passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at his residence in Kanchan Nagar, Hengrabari, at 7:10 a.m.

His grandfather was also an expert in the field of Tokari Geet and taught him Tokari Geet and Dotara. Umakanta Bairagi also played a very important role in popularizing Tokari Geet among the youth of the state. He was also an expert in the fields of Bihu Naam, Bihu Dance, Diha Naam, Bhur Taal, and other traditional arts. He composed over 1400 Tokari Geets and wanted to publish two books regarding the same, but failed to do that because of his financial constraints. In 1969, he became a regular artiste with All India Radio Dibrugarh. He was honoured with the Bairagi title by All India Radio Dibrugarh in 1971, and in 2011, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of India, honoured him with the Guru title. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award was given to him in 2013-14. He was also a recipient of the Bhupen Hazarika Sangati Bota from the Tai Ahom association and the Pratima Pandey award.

Followers and well-wishers gathered at his residence to pay their homages to the artist after his demise. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, "I am saddened to hear of the passing away of the late Umakant Bairagi, a distinguished figure in the world of folk culture in Assam. The death of Bairagi, who enriched the repertoire of notes and was an integral part of the colourful arts and culture of Assam, is an irreparable loss to the cultural and social spheres of the state. I wish him eternal peace and extend my deepest condolences to his bereaved family." Several dignitaries, including the cultural affairs minister Bimal Bora and education minister Ranoj Pegu, also paid their homage. The last rites were carried out with state honours at the Nabagraha crematorium. Chief Secretary Paban Kumar Borthakur, Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah, and DC Kamrup Metropolitan Pallav Gopal Jha were present from the side of the state government.

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