Young generation must keep folk culture alive: Bapan Sarma

TANGLA: Folk art is the artistic expression of the people. This adage blends well with quinquagenarian artiste and resident of Bhuyankhat village of Udalguri district — Bapan Sarma. An exponent of Ojapali, Khulia and bhaona, Sarma fervently appealed to the young generation to hold on to the roots of the Assamese society by preserving the language, culture, literature and music of the community.

Sarma, who has been instrumental in developing interest for Ojapali folk music among the young generation, has helped many learn the art and hone their skills.

"As a teenager when I passed my matriculation in 1985, I performed on stage 'Suknani Sangeet' — a part of Ojapali folk music — and I received a prize money of Rs 500, which was a big amount then," Sarma said, adding, "Folk art preserves the history of a community. Folklore culture is an ethno-cultural identity marker, a sign of ethnic belonging which gives the Assamese society a unique identity in the world platform."

He further said, "Folklore is passed down from generation to generation; and is kept active by the people. Folklore allows people to give meaning to their lives and their surroundings. I strongly advocate that the young generation must be encouraged to imbibe the essence of folk music and art to keep the legacy of the Assamese society intact."

Hailing the Assam Government for its initiative to pay a basic honorarium to recognised artistes for three months to sustain themselves during the lockdown and the post-lockdown phases, Sarma said, "We are indebted to the government for taking this step to help artistes during this crisis. I sincerely believe that such small and timely steps will go a long way in the government's commitment to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Assamese community."

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