DIBRUGARH, June 13 � Eminent writer and former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, Dr Nagen Saikia has expressed his sincere reverence and heartfelt condolence at the death of Khagen Mahanta.
�Khagen Mahanta was an ardent music lover who could stir the hearts of the people through his Lok Sangeet, Sattriya Sangeet and modern Assamese songs. His works have beauty and exceptional melody. It is difficult to trace a musician of his calibre,� Dr Nagen Saikia said in his condolence message.
Expressing shock at the demise of musician Khagen Mahanta, the Indian Peoples Theatre Association has also expressed its deepest condolences. The association�s State Working President, Sarat Chandra Neog and secretary, Pramod Bhuyan in a joint statement said that the music maestro would ever remain in the hearts of the people. His contribution towards folk, traditional music and culture will be remembered.
Dilip Ranjan Borthakur, recipient of Silpi Bota and former principal of Chaul-khowa Sangeet Vidyalaya, in his condolence message stated that the immense contribution of Khagen Mahanta towards promoting indigenous music and culture cannot be measured. He was popularly known as a folk singer but he was also into modern Assamese songs, was an expert musician, drummer and a tabla player too. Mahanta had also taken part in the language movement of Assam. My tribute and respect to him,� Borthakur said.
Hiren Gohain, eminent composer, singer and lyricist while expressing grief underlined that the works of Khagen Mahanta are of immense value to the society and its culture. �They must be treasured and the State must carry forward his works. Efforts must be made for its promotion at all levels,� he said.
Our Bokakhat Correspondent adds: The Sanskritik Mahasabha, Asom has expressed deepest sorrow at the demise of the music maestro of Assamese folk songs KhagenMahanta. In a release, the president of the mahasabha, Sankar Das said that Mahanta was the lone artist who popularised Bihu in the lower Assam.
The Bokakhat Electronic Media Journalist Association (EMJA), Puwati Sahitya Sabha, Lekhika Samaroh Samitee, Bokakhat Natya Mandir also deeply mourned Mahanta�s demise.
