'Cultural events foster amity and good relations'
FROM OUR Correspondent
Silchar, July 29: Barak Upatayaka Lok Mancha, Silchar, has been conducting a series of workshops and competitions in a quest for searching talented folk music (Lok Sangeet) artistes. After conducting competitions in Karimganj and Hailakandi districts, the fil few days of the competition will be held in the District auditorium of this town. The competition titled ‘Barak Shera Lok Kontho 2016’ has started today in the auditorium today.
Rukun Uddin Ahmed, regiol mager, Assam Gramin Vikash Bank was the chief-guest on the occasion which was graced by the presence of celebrated folk music artists from Bangladesh, Bhupati Bhushan Varma, chief judge of the competition and also the trainer for participants of the workshop, Anima Mukti, judge, Shahz Babu and Suchita Roy. Celebrated folk song singer of this valley, bodeep Paul, will also be one among the three judges.
The programme began with the felicitation of the guests which was followed by lighting of the auspicious lamp by Sarif Uz Zaman Laskar, president, Barak Upatayaka Lok Mancha. In his iugural speech, chief-guest Rukun Uddin Ahmed, said, “Barak Upatayaka Lok Mancha has been active since ages and it feels nice to see that now they are able to conduct weeks-long workshops in order to develop both social and cultural side of Barak Valley.” He was acknowledged the role of Assam Gramin Vikash in fostering not only economic and social development, but fincial also.
Anima Mukti, one of the judges of the competition, made a remarkable speech and emphasized on the noble principles of unity and fraternity. She said, “Violence, and terrorism, feelings of hatred and resentment and restlessness can only be combated with the help of cultural communion. Culture has become commercialized. So the necessity of such a wonderful workshop was inevitable.” She also said that people should not nurture any misconception that folk music is easy and does not require any training and practice. “On the contrary”, she added, “It is very tough to master correct pronunciation”.
Anima Mukti said, “We may have come from another country, but during our stay we almost forget that we are away from our own homes. Laskar bhai’s warm and generosity has made us forget our own homeland. I am grateful to the people of this place for their overwhelming love and adulation. The fence that lies between us on the border cannot separate us or our songs and cultures.” Expressing hope for finding genuine talents from this valley, Bhupati Bhushan Varma, said, “It took just a few days to find out a number of talented folk singers. This valley has got a large number of talented singers and I am hopeful about their future.”
Sarif Uz Zaman Laskar, on a nostalgic note, said, “I was born in Katigorah and since my birth, I have always been associated with culture and folk music. I used to take keen interest in various traditiol programmes and forms of music. Music is the only unifying bond that can mend broken relations.” He also said that our culture and traditiol values makes us feel proud and honoured.
“No religion-based country can prosper. Prosperity of a country, to a large extent, depends on her culture and tradition. Cultural ties can foster good relations among countries”, he added to say. He emphasized that unity depends on ‘we’ not ‘me’ and it such cultural tie-ups can help in developing conjugal relation among tions. “I want that the legacy of Barak Upatayaka Lok Mancha be carried forward even after I retire physically. But I assure that I will always assist and co-operate for days to come,” said, Sarif Uz Zaman Laskar.
A total number of 36 participants will be competing among themselves today and tomorrow. They will be selected sole on the basis of their performance in two or more rounds. The winner can be deciding only after the end of all the rounds.