PATACHARKUCHI, June 28 - Taking part in a public commemorative meeting organised by AASU at the Bhagabati Kshetra here at Pathsala, Dr Paramananda Rajbangshi of the Asam Sahitya Sabha called for preserving the works of Late Achyut Lahkar, for posterity.
Making a strong case for digitalising the works of mobile theatre groups, which spreads socially relevant messages among the people, he pleaded for making a digital archive of the famous mobile theatre dramas.
As a part of the itinerary, rich tributes were paid to Late Achyut Lahkar, who was a pioneer of the mobile theatre movement, besides being a writer, dramatist, producer and director.
The doyen�s sterling contributions were recalled at a programme arranged by Bajali sub-divisional unit of AASU and Pathsala Anchalik Students� Union with active cooperation of a number of local organisations and members of the public.
At the outset, a number of prominent persons, including students and people from all walks of life paid floral tributes before the portrait of the deceased �King of the Stage�. An all-religion prayer followed. A commemorative meeting on the occasion was addressed by Krishna Roy, producer of Abahan Theatre, who termed Late Lahkar as a beacon of light in the arena of mobile theatre, besides being an inspiration.
AASU president Dipanka Kumar Nath suggested institution of a prize in memory of Late Achyut Lahkar by the State Government, besides setting up of a museum at Pathsala town to keep alive his creations.
He further added that Lahkar was indeed a true �King of the Stage� and worked as a social reformer. He spread socially relevant messages through the medium of his valuable dramas through the country..
Reputed dramatist and director Munin Barua opined that full credit goes to Lahkar for his creative thoughts, for which thousands of stage artistes and workers today have found a livelihood and have managed to become economically sound.
On the other hand, Hrishikesh Goswami pointed out that an artist often lives in the heart and minds of the people. So he pleaded for keeping the rich memories and works of Achyut Lahkar alive as an inspiration for the upcoming generations.
Popular actress Chetana Das termed Lahkar as a gem of a person in the field of mobile theatre, and felt that his works merit preservation. Artiste Lakhi Das, Patacharkuchi MLA Pabindra Deka and family members also expressed their views. Two souvenirs, one published by Pathsala Press Club and another by the family members of Achyut Lahkar and edited jointly by Pulu Kumar Sarma and Rana Deka, were formally released by Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya.
