GUWAHATI, June 12 � Cultural icon Dr Bhupen Hazarika was presented with the National Cultural Award instituted by KC Das Commerce College at a function held in the city today. The event was also marked by public felicitation of entrepreneur and philanthropist Ramesh Chandra Choudhury, the force behind the KC Das Commerce College.
The audience in Machkhowa�s Pragjyoti centre was visibly moved when overcome by emotion the legendary artiste sang a few lines from the song, �We are on the same boat brother�� Touched by the honour bestowed on him, Dr Hazarika who was immaculately dressed in off white traditional attire, said, �What can I give you today?�
He sang a few lines from a few famous songs, including the opening line of �We are on the same boat brother�, much to the delight of the audience comprising a number of dignitaries as well as students and cultural aficionados.
Recalling his early life in Guwahati, Dr Hazarika mentioned his association with local talents and singers from North Guwahati and Hajo, from whom he learned much. He concluded his address with a brief prayer uttering the words �Joi Guru��
The audience was enthralled by the iconic artiste�s recital of a poem that was pre-recorded for today�s function. The poem, �Eko bingsa satikar pancham dasakato�, composed by Banajit Talukdar celebrated Dr Hazarika�s indomitable spirit that extended over great time and space and embraced a range of experiences.
Distinguished writer Rongbong Terang, president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, gave away the award that contained a citation, mementos, a collection of books published by the KC Das Commerce College and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Terang mentioned the sterling achievements of
Dr Hazarika not just in the field of music, but in cinema, and in reaching out to people across the world. He made a special reference to the robust knowledge that the artiste had of different parts of Northeast India, which he described as remarkable.
In the function, the individual behind the establishment of KC Das Commerce College, Ramesh Chandra Choudhry was formally felicitated. Choudhury�s role as a pioneer entrepreneur and a philanthropist was recalled on the occasion, and a short documentary showcasing his life and contributions to society was also shown.
Choudhury, a mechanical engineer, had his education from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and following a brief stint as a Government official started his own enterprise specializing in manufacture of industrial equipment. Today, under his stewardship a number of institutions have come to play lead roles in the development of Assam, the film revealed.
