GUWAHATI, June 1 - A large number of art lovers, senior citizens and social workers felicitated eminent artist Neelpawan Baruah on the occasion of his 83rd birthday today.
A function organised on the occasion under the joint auspices of the Assam Senior Citizens� Association (ASCA) and Guwahati Senior Citizens� Association (GSCA) at Baruah�s Beltola residence, was presided over by Dr Manoranjan Sarma, president, GSCA.
Baneswar Khound, general secretary, ASCA welcomed the guests and explained the purpose of the function.
Congratulating the artist on his birthday, senior journalist DN Chakravartty referred to the rich contributions made by Baruah in popularising the art of painting among the younger sections of the Assamese people. He said it was Baruah who brought honour and dignity to the profession of an artist during the last five decades.
Tabiul Hussain, Naren Sarma and H Bhagawati, while wishing Baruah, expressed the hope that he would continue to inspire succeeding generations of artists in the years to come.
Putali Kayastha recited a poem written by Baruah highlighting his emotions about nature and human feelings. Ranjana Kalita sang a song befitting the occasion.
Baruah in his acknowledgement speech, thanked the people of Assam for the love and affection given to him and his wife. He also thanked the senior citizens� associations and said that it was the love and affection of the people of Assam that helped him to tide over the trials and tribulations of his life.
Sanskrit scholar Dr Ashok Goswami in his speech wished Baruah a long and purposeful life in service of society. Dr Devdas Bharali, president, Kamrup Mahanagar Senior Citizens� Association spoke about his close association with Baruah.
Baruah was also felicitated at another function held at the Gauhati Artists� Guild.
