Financial aid offered to ailing 'Kali' player in Mangaldai

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: Following the publication of news in The Sentinel on April 28, the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation (ASFC) on Saturday offered an amount of Rs 25,000 to septuagenarian ailing 'Kaliya' Kulendra Nath of village Tupapara of Sipajhar in Darrang district. Managing Director of ASFC, Monidipa Borkotoki came from Guwahati and was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Darrang, Kalpana Deka. She met this folk artiste at his residence and handed over the cheque. She also offered a phulam Bihuwan as a token of honour and respect to the folk artiste.

Kulendra Nath is the only living player of 'Kali'- a musical instrument like the sehnai which was an integral part of Assamese weddings earlier. The 'Kali' is also an integral part of Darrangi culture. In the news report published in The Sentinel, his ailing condition was highlighted. The Commissioner and Secretary of the Cultural Department, Pritam Saikia had asked the Managing Director of ASFC, Monidipa Borkotoki to arrange for financial assistance for the treatment and care of this humble folk artiste who was passing his days amidst acute financial crisis. Media person Bhargab Kumar Das and Ranjit Kumar Nath were also present in the function on Saturday