Letters to The Editor: A new chapter in Assamese Music

The music scenario in Assam has gone through a variety of changes throughout the years. From the melodies of the legendary, Bhupen Hazarika to the tunes of Zubeen Garg, we have listened to them, danced to them and even cried to some of their songs.

This legacy of Assamese Music has taken a new turn. Artistes like Shankuraj Konwar, Sannidhya Bhuyan, Abhi Saikia, among others are revolutionizing the Assamese Music Industry. Their full-house shows and the millions of views they have racked up on their respective YouTube channels are a testament to their growing popularity among today's youth.

Shankuraj Konwar's Alakananda is a staple to any music lover in the State right now. His other hits with fellow artiste Abhi Saikia — Nakhyatra and Jolopropat are sure to achieve cult status.

Sannidhya Bhuyan has been producing hits after hits in collaboration with a variety of new-gen artistes from Assam. His songs, Jipaal 2.0, Xuronajana, and Tumi Xubaxh with fellow artiste Tonmoy Krypton have racked up millions of views on YouTube and have made him a household name.

This new generation of artistes is taking the industry by storm and is sure to take Assamese Music to new heights. It is only the beginning of what I think is a stepping stone for Assamese Music to take the national and global stage.

Debashis Konger,

Guwahati.

Ensure safety on trains

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has instructed strict measures regarding the safety of passengers in trains. He stated that safety remains the focus area of Railway operations and no one should let the guard down on that front. A thorough review of all safety measures in the running of trains needs to be taken up by all concerned. The Minister has also advised to focus on remedial measures for safety hazards like fire and ensuring alertness for signals and crossings. He asked officers to focus on root-cause analysis of breaches in safety norms and advised them to launch a safety drive. Railways is the lifeline of millions of people who travel in it every day. The authorities concerned should initiate steps to ensure the journey of people safe and convenient.

Amit Singh Kushwaha,

Satna (M.P.)

Water crisis

Water is an essential component for survival. But at present, water crisis is increasing rapidly all over the world. A recent analysis by the UNICEF revealed that more than two crore children in India are experiencing extremely high water vulnerability. It is the combination of high levels of physical water scarcity risks and lowest levels of drinking water services that affects a given population. Water scarcity makes life very difficult for families, especially women and children. It exposes children to water-borne diseases. The need to conserve and save water is essential and everyone should be aware of it. We should participate equally and refrain from misusing and overusing water resources whenever and wherever possible.

Rupak G. Duarah,

Guwahati.

A well written script

The script to become MLA or Minister started in the second half of 2019 in the name of the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) movement. The fringe people who were struggling to get attention in their respective parties or fields made sprints to the anti-CAA podium. Journalists like Adip Phukan, Ajit Bhuyan, artistes like Ajay Phukan, students' leaders like Lurinjyoti Gogoi, Bhaswati Saikia, and others like Mira Borthakur, Ajanta Neog, Manjit Mahanta all have finally reaped rewards with the script. These days these so-called 'CAA Birodhi' leaders are all busy in electoral politics after obtaining party tickets for the Assembly election from their respective parties. The magical word 'CAA' has almost vanished from their mouth. Yet, again like so many previous occasions the Asomiya people have been made fool. Akhil Gogoi who is behind bars is playing the dirtiest politics by making secret deals with both the Congress and the BJP keeping his newly formed 'unregistered' regional party Raijor Dal members in the dark. The 2021 election is truly like a thriller movie where characters keep changing their colours.

Julie Bhuyan,

Gaurisagar.

The need to vote

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to highlight the fact that in the past few Assembly elections, the State of Assam has seen a gradual but significant increase in the voter turnout, and it is a matter of pride that deserves praise.

With 84.72% voter turnout in the 2016 elections, the State set a new record. In 2011, the voter turnout was 75%. The figures clearly show an increase in the voting percentage and it is a sign of people exercising their democratic rights to the fullest. It also goes to show the awareness of the public towards their duties as citizens of India.

Thus concluding, I would like to convey to the readers the importance of their democratic right to vote and urge them to remember to exercise it.

Soumyadeep Das,

Guwahati.