GUWAHATI, Nov 22 - The Assam Association, Mumbai staged a social drama Aghori Anjana written by Hemanta Dutta, a legend of Bhramyaman Theatre in Assam, in aid of cancer patients at Krantiveer Balawant Phadke Natyagruha, Panvel, a suburb of Greater Mumbai recently, said a press release.
Cancer is widespread in NE and this menace has ruined the livelihood of many families. Several hundred patients come to Mumbai, every year for better treatment.
Since the treatment requires a prolonged period, the Bhawan cannot provide full accommodation facilities to the patients. The Deepshikha Foundation, a trust promoted with the patronage of a few Assamese people and aptly supported by some business establishments, is rendering tremendous services to many of the patients. Besides, Brahmaputra Cancer Care Society, an NGO, is also providing support to the patients.
The Assam Association, Mumbai, on its part extends financial support to a few below poverty line patients every year. In order to strengthen the fund, the executive committee of the Association, decided to stage the above full-length drama, as a fund raising venture in aid of the cancer patients. The event also provided the Assamese community of Mumbai with an opportunity to enjoy a full-length Assamese drama in Mumbai for the first time.
While the technicians and musicians came from Assam, the performing artistes were drawn from the local Assamese people, a mixture of experienced and first timers. It was directed by known actor and director Syed Afzal Alim who put tremendous efforts for the event. The story of the play revolves around an educated, unwed daughter of an affluent family, the agony of her father and their servant, who lived with them since his childhood. The drama was enjoyed by several hundreds of people from Greater Mumbai. A group of ladies sang Aaha amiya dharar ami prabah... composed by a leading member of the Association. The highlight of the evening was the brilliant performance by all the artistes and technicians.
The Association presented a sum of Rs 25,000 each to four cancer patients out of the several applicants, who sought financial support. These patients have come from different parts of Assam and are undergoing treatment at the Tata Memorial Hospital, a premier institute of the country for cancer care.
Those selected for the purpose, include Basanti Das, wife of Madhav Das, a resident of Palasbari, undergoing treatment for gall bladder cancer; Sankar Giri, son of Bulu Giri, a resident of Balijan, Digboi, who is undergoing treatment for blood cancer, since November 2015; Bhagirathi Deka, a widow and a resident of Namti Village, Nalbari district, undergoing treatment for breast cancer and Jiten Swargiyari, 34-year-old resident of Pirakata Village, Dhekiajuli, Sonitpur District, undergoing treatment for rectum cancer.
Debika Borpujari, wife of former treasurer of the Association, donated a sum of Rs 20,000 for the cancer fund. The members of the association were overwhelmed with the spontaneous support of the audience to the noble cause.
