BARPETA, Dec 3 - The Borgeet of Assam, a unique creation of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva and his most trusted disciple Madhabadeva, which has till date been a neglected chapter in the national cultural and literary arena, may be accorded national recognition as a classical music.
This was informed by veteran Vaishnavite and Satriya scholar and former Professor of Madhab Choudhury College here after his return from Sreshtha Bharat Sanskriti Samagam in Amritsar held during the third week of November last.
The Samagam, one of the biggest conglomeration of great artistes and scholars from both India and abroad, was organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with Guru Nanak University, Amritsar and Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi from November 19 to 23. Divided into two parts, viz., seminar and performance, the Samagam was attended by scholars of different forms of dance, folk and tribal culture, classical music, drama, puppetry and other traditional art forms.
Dr Das, a singer of repute and a dedicated scholar of Satriya tradition and Borgeet, presented his paper in the seminar titled, �Past Present and Future Scenario of Indian Performing Art Forms� with world famous tabla player Nayan Ghosh in the chair on November 21.
He emphatically presented before the erudite scholars that Borgeet of Assam is purely classical by nature and by its characteristics. Presenting the chronology of music in Assam, he said that music in Assam is rooted way back in the 6th century and a number of Ragas are found in the Charjyapada of the 8th century. Different types of Ragas are also present in the Ojapali, which emanated before the Sankari era.
Referring to the strength of Borgeet, Dr Das claimed that both Sankaradeva and his chief disciple Madhabadeva introduced the tradition of classical music in Assam during 15th and 16th centuries known as Borgeet. He demanded that Borgeet should be recognised as a special school of classical music or under Kamrupee Music School.
On his return from the seminar, Dr Das informed that his demand for recognition of Borgeet as a classical music was overwhelmingly supported by everyone present, including the chairperson of the seminar, resource persons and the audience alike.
Bhai Balbeer Singh, a veteran musician of the Sikh community went to the extent of asking why Borgeet, a 600-year-old music form is yet to be recognised, and as to when the Sangeet Natak Akademi will recognise it. A number of members of the Akademi and office-bearers were present in the seminar.
As it was supported by all and no questions were raised, it is expected that the noble creative art form will soon receive due national recognition.
