Literary forum on Assamese lyrical literature held

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

DHARAPUR, Nov 17: A literary forum was held under the aegis of Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Paschim Guwahati  Mahavidyalaya , Dharapur , at the college premises on the topic  Assamese Lyrical Literature : Tradition and Changes — A Tribute to Tafazzul Ali, on 16th November, 2016. It began with the singing of Bohut Din Bokulor, by renowned Assamese singer Dr Bijaylakhsmi Das written by Tafazzul Ali. Chaired by Professor Purabi Deka Hazarika, distinguished academician, Department of Assamese, Dibrugarh University, the forum was highly enlightening with illumiting lectures delivered by the invited speakers on the occasion. Padmashri Surjya Hazarika, Associate Professor Handiqui Girls' College and renowned Assamese singer Manjyots Mahanta Goswami, and eminent researcher and connoisseur of Assamese music Lokth Goswami delivered their lectures on various aspects of the main theme of lyrical literature with regard to Bhupen Hazarika, Kesab Mahanta and the history and development of the genre. The well attended forum  deliberated upon the various aspects of this genre and its development and evolution in Assamese literature. After the official words of welcome and statement of purpose by the regiol secretary Gopal Barman, Paschim Guwahati Mahavidyalaya Principal Dr Balendra Kr Das made his introductory remarks on the theme.  He traced the path of Assamese lyrical literature since the time of the charjyapadas to the present generation of young practitioners of the tradition. Reminiscing Tafazzul Ali, in whose honoured memory the forum was being held, Dr. Das mentioned that he was the one to have shown the path to a healthy and conscientious society through his songs. Dr Deka Hazarika described the significance of lyrics, music and the voice (singer) in this genre and said lyrics are of prime significance, stressing the need for more studies in this important area. She mentioned the importance of Srimanta Sankaradeva as a lyricist to have reached out to the common people through songs. Surjya Hazarika in his lecture highlighted Bhupen Hazarika's universal appeal; Manjyots Goswami Mahanta mentioned about Kesab Mahanta's political and social consciousness as reflected in his work; Lokth Goswami summarised the entire theme succinctly stating the importance of Lakhmith Bezbaroa in this trend. Among the distinguished persolities present were lyricist Idrish Ali, Bangla poet from Kolkata Bithi Chakrabarty, Ramani Barman and many others. Professor Archa Bora offered the vote of thanks.