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Memorable Musical Evening at Sankardev Kalakshetra Celebrates Bhupen Uzir’s Birth Anniversary

By Prantik Deka |

A soulful musical evening, "Hiya Bhora Shubha Kamnare," was organized at the Sri Sri Madhabdev International Auditorium of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra to commemorate the 72nd birth anniversary of renowned music composer and sound engineer, the late Bhupen Uzir. The event, hosted by the Bhupen Uzir Smriti Raksha Samiti in collaboration with the Assam Government’s Directorate of Cultural Affairs, brought together eminent personalities from the cultural sphere, artists, and music enthusiasts for a night of melody and remembrance.

Bhupen Uzir’s contributions to Assamese music and sound engineering remain unparalleled. His timeless creations continue to enrich the musical heritage of Assam, holding a special place in the hearts of listeners.

Awards and Recognitions

As part of the event, the Bhupen Uzir Smriti Silpa Sadhana Award was conferred upon four distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to Assamese instrumental music and sound engineering. The awardees were:

  • Sourav Das (Guitarist)
  • Dilip Rachaili (Violin & Guitarist)
  • Pitambar Tamuli (Saxophonist)
  • Satish Chauhan (Sound Recordist)

An online singing competition, featuring Bhupen Uzir’s evergreen compositions, was held in two categories. The winners were:

  • Category A (Below 14 years):
    1st Prize – Jigyasa Kashyap
    2nd Prize – Pragya Konwar
    3rd Prize – Sruti Madhurya

  • Category B (Above 14 years):
    1st Prize – Tanisha Saikia
    2nd Prize – Ratan Konwar
    3rd Prize – Jonak Nibir Kashyap

The winners were honored with trophies, cash prizes, and certificates.

The evening was graced by mesmerizing performances from renowned artists, including Swashwati Phukan, Queen Hazarika, Mousumi Saharia, Pranamika Goswami, Sharmistha Chakraborty, Sanskruta Malakar, Satyasandhya Hazarika, Pritismita Khanuja, Kirtika Uzir, Vidyasagar, Chandan Das, Jivendra Mohan Devsharma, Padmanabha Bordoloi, Neelotpal Gayen, and Sarat Raag, who enthralled the audience with Bhupen Uzir’s iconic songs.

A special highlight was the unveiling of a new song, "Smritir Aawes," sung by Shanta Uzir, with lyrics by Manjula Hazarika and music by Sourav Mahanta, adding an emotional touch to the event.

The program was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony by Nani Devi, Ramen Choudhury, Samar Hazarika, Anupam Choudhury, and Manisha Hazarika. Among the distinguished guests were Bhupen Uzir’s childhood friends Vijay Bordoloi, Vijay Das, Prakash Baruah, Pratap Goswami, along with celebrated musicians Syed Sadullah, Sandhya Menon, Pulak Banerjee, Malabika Bora, Diganta Bharati, actor Pranjal Saikia, and Kapil Bora, among others.

The event was further elevated by a special instrumental ensemble by veteran musicians Jayanta Gogoi, Dr. Mrinal Das, Tapan Das, and Deep Rajbanshi, leaving the audience spellbound.

The evening stood as a fitting tribute to Bhupen Uzir’s legacy, blending nostalgia with celebration, and reaffirming his everlasting impact on Assamese music.

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