GUWAHATI, Feb 9 - The Swabhav Shilpi Amulya Kakati Memorial Award, celebrating the constructive spirit of inborn artiste, playwright and actor Amulya Kakati, was today presented to prominent playwright and theatre activist Liyakat Ali.
The award was presented to Ali by noted singer Pulak Banerjee at an event organised at Vivekananda Kendra here by the AASU�s trust for students, artistes and litterateurs. The award carries Rs 25,000 in cash, a cheleng chador, a gamosa and a memento created by noted sculptor Biren Singha.
Speaking on the occasion, member of the trust and AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya said that as a friend, philosopher and guide, Amulya Kakati had a great influence on the cultural activities of the student body. �Amulyada�s Friends Enterprise at Ulubari was a meeting point for an entire generation of eminent artistes, theatre personalities, actors, writers and other who�s who of the cultural world. It was a brewing pot of innovative ideas and cultural thinking. In his association and guidance, the student body�s cultural side flourished,� said Bhattacharyya.
Receiving the award, Liyakat Ali said that honouring his work was actually honouring the theatre activities in the State. �Theatre strikes a chord with the audience directly and no matter whatever comes as a hurdle, theatre finds its way in every age and in any situation,� he said.
Ali further said that since the Assamese language is a common thread binding different communities and ethnicities in Assam, it should be accepted by all as their lingua franca.
Entering the cultural field as an actor, Liyakat Ali started writing plays to fill the gap of original plays in the 1980s. Some of his plays include More Moluwak Kone Marila, Jonake Dhowa Aranyat, O Phul O Phul Nuphula Kiyo, etc. He has also acted in two Assamese films and is involved in making TV serials and documentaries.
Singer Banerjee, while recalling his association with Amulya Kakati, said that Kakati was dedicated to constructive ideas. �We were neighbours, but gradually we developed a strong bonding. Friends Enterprise was the place where we exchanged ideas along with other fellow cultural workers. A person with so much warmth and dedication will always be alive in our hearts and minds,� he stated.
A documentary made by filmmaker Rajeeb Bhattacharya was also screened on the occasion. Remembering the contributions of Kakati in the formative years of the All Guwahati Students� Union, AASU leader Bipul Rabha said that he was the guiding force for the union. �We sought his opinion whenever in doubt. With an exceptional visualising power, Amulyada had the most creative solution to any problem,� he said.