GUWAHATI, April 17 - In line with its corporate policy to preserve and enrich traditional art and culture, Guwahati Refinery has instituted an award � Indian Oil Guwahati Refinery Luit Gaurab Award � for artistes contributing to folk art and culture of Assam.
The award consists of Rs 1 lakh in cash and a citation, which will be awarded every year during Rongali Bihu celebration at the Noonmati Bihutoli. The needy artiste will be selected by a jury of eminent achievers in art and culture of Assam.
The first award has been given to noted Karbi folk singer Pokhila Lekthepi by a jury of three members comprising Dr Birendra Nath Datta, eminent folklorist, musician, academician and former president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha; Loknath Goswami, noted singer, composer and musician and Ramen Choudhury, eminent composer and music director.
The 66-year-old singer from Karbi Anglong district has been composing songs in Karbi language and has been an All India Radio artiste from 1987. She has recorded a number of Karbi folk songs which depict the life of Karbi people. For her outstanding achievement in the field of music, Lekthepi was also earlier honoured by Doordarshan Kendra, Guwahati.
The award was presented to her at the Noonmati Bihutoli by Jogen Barpujari, Executive Director (Guwahati Refinery), during the current Bihu celebrations in presence of a huge gathering of audience.
Acknowledging the award, Lekthepi expressed gratitude to Indian Oil Guwahati Refinery for the honour and said that the award would further inspire not only her but other artistes of the State who have been passionately working in the field of folk arts.
