GUWAHATI, Nov 19 � With a commitment to promote tolerance and understanding by celebrating the wonderful cultural diversity of the state, the two-day �Asam Sanskritik Mahotsav 2014� concluded here on Wednesday.
This initiative of the All Assam Cultural Association witnessed the participation of the different ethnic and indigenous communities of the state including cultural representation from the char areas.
Addressing mediapersons on the sideline of the festival today, functionaries of the festival celebration committee said that all the districts of the state participated in the extravaganza showcasing the rich cultural treasure trove.
�This festival was aimed at bringing the folk artistes from different corners of the state on a common platform and thus lay the foundation of a journey towards building a new Assam,� said Kiran Gogoi, general secretary, asserting that it is the medium of culture that can unite the different communities and create an ambience of peace in the state for development.
Gogoi also mentioned that the participants agreed to carry back the message of brotherhood and tolerance to their respective communities.
�Assam at present is facing the challenge of divisive tendencies that has created distrust and ill-feeling between the communities. We emphasise on the need for tolerance and for understanding the issues and aspirations of the myriad communities in the state,� said Gogoi.
The participants were unanimous in their opinion that political conspiracy is the main reason for the atmosphere of distrust in the state. They also agreed that all communities have to come together to thwart this conspiracy.
Dr Hitesh Baruah, president, on the other hand said that the Association in the coming days will undertake a slew of activities aimed at creating an ambience of love and tolerance for cultural prosperity. �However it is also important that we devote time for economic uplift of those involved in the cultural world and for this reason we will try to revive the film industry as it has immense potential for ushering a cultural and economic renaissance,� said Dr Baruah.
Folk artiste Somnath Bora appealed to the authorities to take up measures for improving the deplorable living condition of the folk artistes in the state.
On the other hand, the Association has also decided to launch a mass signature campaign in the coming days to pressurise the government to confer Bharat Ratna on Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
