'Xuaroni Bhaibhav' Released: Sight & Sound

Prantik Deka

priceless volume

'xuaroni bhaibhav' released

A true and sincere devotee of the great saints – Srimanta Sankardeva and Sri Sri Madhabdev, the renowned Vaishnavite preserver of Sattriya culture and a philanthropist, the late Dalim Pathak's charitable nature is manifest in the establishment of a number of social-cultural organisations in the State. On the occasion of his first death anniversary, a co-memorial book – Xuaroni Baibhav – was released by noted cultural activist, writer, dramatist and actor Ratna Ojha in a function held at the Bhabendra Alay in Beltola, Guwahati, recently.

The book's remarkable collections of essays, in addition to memoirs and speeches, in both Assamese and English, complemented by photographs, is a testimony to the insightful scholarship and expert interpretations of the writers and Satradhikars, many of whom were once close associates of Dalim Pathak. Besides delving into the life and career of Dalim Pathak, the book is an in-depth attempt to explain the fundamental tenets of the philosophical and religious ideals of the saints. The editorial team, comprising of Sankar Das as the chief editor, Dayananda Pathak, Bhupendra Raichoudhury, Bhuban Chandra Kalita and Bhagwan Patowary as the editors, strongly feel that Xuaroni Baibhav will be an invaluable guide for serious readers and a premier source for scholars and researchers involved in the study of Mahapurushiya Sanskriti. A number of experts view it as a breakthrough contribution to Assam's literary scene and the Vaishnava society as a whole. This comprehensive book, with its rich literary and philosophical expositions, will fill a void in the State's intellectual sphere, feels the book's publisher, Kanika Pathak, who is also Dalim Pathak's wife.

The book's diverse group of writers includes Sankar Das, Dayananda Pathak, Bhupen Raichoudhury Narayan Chandra Goswami, Bimal Mazumdar, Banamali Nath, Nripen Roy, Anil Raichoudhury, Badal Choudhury, Ranjit Kumar Barua, Banikanta Kakati, Surjya Kumar Bhuyan, Pratap Chandra Choudhury, Dr Mallika Kandali, Dr Babul Chandra Das, among others.

The book release function, anchored by noted musician Abani Ranjan Pathak, was graced by professor Bhabajit Bayan as the keynote speaker. The function, held in the presence of many of Dalim Pathak's well-wishers, family members and admirers hailing from various parts of the State, was also attended by several Satradhikars, prominent litterateurs, artistes and journalists, among others. As informed, people, interested in collecting this neatly bound priceless volume, can get in touch with the family members of Pathak.

animation film 'a blind dog' screened at bay area south asian film fest

Assam's first 3D animation film 'A Blind Dog' was officially screened to enormous critical praise and appreciation at the Bay Area South Asian Film Festival's (BASAFF) Cine Next festival section 2019, which took place in San Jose, California, USA, on December 7. The festival is a platform that creates possibilities for South Asian storytelling for the larger American diasporas.

Significantly, just six highly acclaimed animation films from all over the world got festival official selection in the non-competition section of BASAFF's Cine Next. 'A Blind Dog' represented India in the category.

While Ryan Hazarika has done the animation and direction of the film, Axl Hazarika is its producer, music composer and VFX editor.

Every dog owner is familiar to that irresistible and imploring gaze of their dog that yearns for reciprocation. The unique bond of attraction and love makes the dog man's best friend. 'A Blind Dog' is a moving real-life-based story of the relationship between a musician and his blind dog. The film conveys a special and heartfelt message about the presence of strong emotional bonds with animals outside the realm of human relations.

'A Blind Dog' is the first 3D animation film from Assam officially certified and censored by the Central Board of Film Certification, India. This masterfully rendered film is expected to appeal to children as well as adults who appreciate good animation and brisk storytelling. It is scheduled to be released in India soon. It has made a tremendous impact in the global arena with official selection at more than 25 international film festivals across countries like Russia, Germany, UK, Italy, Africa and the United States, etc.

'A Blind Dog' was part of major festivals like 29th Istanbul International Short Film Festival – Turkey, 126th APA Convention – USA, 60th International Petersburg Film Festival – Russia, Cardiff International Film Festival – Wales, The Golden Peak Film Festival – Russia, Earl's Court Film Festival – United Kingdom, Sport Film Festival – Italy, International Tourism Film Festival – Maldives, Caribbean Film Festival – Miami, International Youth Film Festival – Russia, etc.

Ryan Hazarika is one of the pioneers of animation in Northeast India. He started his directorial debut with the animation video 'Hum Badal Gaye', produced in 2012 by his brother Axl Hazarika.

Axl is an experimental music artiste of NE. He recently became the first and only Indian artiste to rank in SoundCloud Top 10 Global Trance music charts and Billboard music charts.

workshop on filmmaking held at aau

The Directorate of Students' Welfare of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in association with the National Agricultural Higher Education Project recently organised a filmmaking workshop at the university at Borbheta for students and a few employees.

Well-known filmmaker Shankar Borua, a PhD in Mass Communication from Texas Tech University, along with his team conducted the workshop, titled 'Cinema Verite'. The workshop focused on basic documentary and filmmaking skills, including writing, directing and producing motion pictures and documentaries using low-cost digital technologies.

The workshop, the first of its kind at AAU, was attended by 19 undergraduate students from the colleges of Community Science and Agriculture and four technical persons from Krishi Vigyan Kendras of AAU. During the workshop, five fictional and two technical documentaries were produced and screened at the Dr MC Das Memorial Auditorium of the university.

Speaking at the valedictory function, Shankar Borua exhorted the participants to look at the world with a wide-angle lens and craft film narratives reflecting a sense of responsibility and empathy for all living creatures on the Earth.

The function was attended by AAU Registrar Arpan Saikia, College of Agriculture Dean Dr Jayanta Deka, Faculty of Community Science Dean Dr Ruplekha Bora, and Director of Students' Welfare Dr Rana P Bhuyan.

papon's new single released

Assam's popular singer-songwriter Angarag (Papon) Mahanta said he is hopeful that his latest single 'Akhiyan', digitally launched recently, will take non-film music to new heights.

'Akhiyan' has a beautiful feel and the new creation's melody has a melancholic mood, Papon said, while talking about the song released on YouTube. The single, composed by Gourov and Roshin, was launched under the label of Sony Music.

Papon, who is also a music director, said : "Non-film music is not celebrated as it should be and I am glad that this music label has taken it to the next level. Working with Gourov and Roshin has been a great experience. I have known them since some time now and collaborating with them on a song that is so special meant a lot."

Speaking on the song, composer Gourov said he is hopeful that it will touch hearts.

Mentioning that the song was about one-sided love, composer Roshin said, "We have tried to put our soul into it. Gourov and I were looking to work on a song that is not bound to anything and the independent single, 'Akhiyan' was the perfect one. When Papon came into this, it just fell into place."