Tributes paid to Seuj Konwar on his 16th death anniversary

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT,

SIVASAGAR, June 22 : The 16th death anniversary of Seuj Konwar Parag Chaliha was observed with various cultural programmes under the auspices of Seuj Konwar Parag Chaliha Smriti Rakhya Samiti in collaboration with Sibasagar tya Samaj on Sunday in Sivasagar.

The death anniversary programme began at Chau-Lung Syukafa Indoor Stadium premises with offering shraddhanjali at the image of Seuj Konwar by Ujanial Xatra Xatradhikar and noted sports organizer Lakhikanta Mahanta, president of Sibasagar tya Samaj and wife of Chaliha, Dipali Chaliha, senior advocate Ajit Borpujari, the jourlist fraternity and other noted persolities of Sivasagar. The Chau-lung Syukafa Indoor Stadium was the last dream project of Seuj Konwar Parag Chaliha, who was instrumental in conceptualizing the stadium. The parliamentarian started construction of the stadium in 1997 with Rs 20 lakh from the MP Local Area Development Fund and a grant of Rs 5 lakh from the Director of Sports. The stadium is still awaiting for its formal iuguration due to alleged irresponsive attitude of ONGC.

It was followed by a colourful cultural programme featuring musical compositions of the Seuj Konwar at Seujia Samaj Sangeet Mahavidyalay. Seujia Samaj Sangeet Vidyalaya was another outcome of the legendry litterateur, dramatist, actor, lyricist, composer and singer Seuj Konwar Parag Chaliha’s painstaking efforts, which was established in the year 1945, and got recognition as Mahavidyalaya in 1989. Atul Sharma, Sudhir Das, Makhan Bhuyan and other noted persons in the following years also shouldered responsibility of strengthening the pillar of the Mahavidyalaya.

The programme ended with screening of one of the most popular Assamese films Antony Mor am at Sibasagar tya Mandir in the evening. Parag Chaliha performed an unforgettable role in the film as grandfather of Antony (Biju Phukan).

Just before screening of the movie, Shilp Guru Reba Kanta Mahanta, winner of the Sangeet tak Akademi Award for the year 2014, was felicitated with a cheleng chador and a packet of books by the organizers. Receiving the honour, the Sangeet tak Akademi Award winner spoke on the multifaceted persolity of the Seuj Konwar, who was his teacher. Mahanta said Seuj Konwar was not only his teacher but also was an inspiration who taught effectively and enthusiastically, with a passion for his motherland. “It is because of Parag Chaliha that we are able to exhibit our culture in tiol and intertiol level,” said Mahanta.

On the occasion, five poor but meritorious students who passed the recent HSLC and HS examitions with flying colours, were honoured with Parag Chaliha Memorial Scholarship Award that included Rs 2,500 and a certificate. The felicitation programme was anchored by Parag Chaliha’s younger son Saurav Chaliha.