GUWAHATI, Sept 8 - On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the cultural icon of the State Dr Bhupen Hazarika today, internationally reputed filmmaker Jahnu Barua lauded the unwavering belief of the bard in the power of art and culture.
Barua, who was delivering a speech on the topic �Audio Visual Arts and its acceptance in independent India� at a function organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr Hazarika at Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha auditorium, Cotton College, said the need of the hour was to rediscover the power of audio-visual art in transforming society.
�As a conscious citizen of India, I feel that we need to understand the true worth of audio-visual arts. The society will benefit in a big way if audio-visual art is used in the right manner, and on the other hand its misuse will spell decay for the society,� opined Barua.
Barua pointed out that art and culture get the least attention of the policy makers who calculate all benefits in terms of revenue generation. �The benefits of art and culture should not be measured in terms of revenue. Art and culture lay the foundation for human values, ethics, character, etc. and hence, benefit society in a great way,� he said.
He said it was unfortunate the majority cine goers accepted cinema as a source of entertainment only. �The average cine goer hardly connects to any other aspect of cinema other than entertainment. The urge to learn is missing in our cine goers and this is a pity,� ha said.
He also referred to Srimanta Sankardev and said the Vaishnavite saint could rightly realise the power of these arts and used them for strengthening the foundation of the society. He added that Dr Bhupen Hazarika, too, could understand the power of these arts in contributing towards the betterment of the society.
The function, organised by the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Mass Communication and Journalism, Cotton College, was attended by many dignitaries including the Principal of the college, Dr Nirada Devi.
Earlier, a dance drama by the students took the audience on the musical journey of the bard, conjuring up images of the transitions, feelings and patriotism that marked the memorable journey of the maestro.
