MANGALDAI, June 17 - Mahendra Saharia, an octogenarian folk artiste and an exponent of �Ojapali� died at his Neogpara residence in Darrang district on Saturday after a brief illness. He was 82.
According to his family sources, he suddenly fell sick after taking a bath and breathed his last. Late Saharia was an exponent of �Ojapali� and had performed in various places in the State. He began his cultural journey at the age of 16 and earned laurels by virtue of his dedication and commitment. Late Saharia was also associated with the Assam Agitation from 1979 to 1985 for which his entire family had to face atrocities of police and security forces. Activists of Assam Movement from Mangaldai, Kalaigaon and Guwahati rushed to his residence and offered their last respect to the departed soul. He leaves behind his wife Jamuna Saharia, four sons and a host of relatives. He was cremated at his own village in the presence of a number of admirers and family members.
