GUWAHATI, Jan 19 � Veteran theatre personality Ratna Ojah today stressed the need for keeping intact the sanctity of Assamese music amidst the onslaught of undesirable and all-pervasive western influence.
Ojah was addressing a function as the chief guest held at the Guwahati Press Club where a collection of songs of �Ganasilpi� Surya Das titled Manuh Aru Prithivi was formally released.
Ojah, while terming Surya Das as a pure artiste whose songs reflected the wishes, aspirations and trials and tribulations of the common man, said that the younger generation of singers would do well to emulate the accomplishments of Das.
�Das has been a singer of the masses in the true sense of the term. In his pursuit of excellence in his chosen field, he cared little for monetary gains but always strove to uphold the essence of true music in a nationalistic fervour. His compositions will stand the test of time,� Ojah said.
Dilip Chandan, editor of Asom Bani, recollected his association with the artiste and said that in spite of his soul-stirring creations, Das was yet to get his rightful place in the domain of music in the State. �It is time to reassess and reevaluate his contributions,� he added.
Chandan also suggested that there should be workshops on Surya Das�s songs in all the districts of the State.
Senior journalist Pratap Bardoloi said that for several decades Surya Das kept himself committed to creating genuine music, gifting the people of the State in the process a number of evergreen numbers. �It is time we all recognized the substantial contribution he made to Assamese music,� he added.
Das, in his address, said that the masses were his inspiration and that he would continue to tell their tales through singing.
Human rights activist Lachit Bardoloi and Sivaram Koch, the producer of the CD album, also addressed the gathering.
