GUWAHATI, Dec 5 - Tributes were paid to the memory of Kalaratna Ratna Ojah at a function held at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on the occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of the poet, artist and cultural icon of Assam today.
The function began with laying of floral wreaths on the photo of Ojah by Nrittyacharya Jatin Goswami, senior journalist DN Chakravartty, singer Manisha Hazarika, wife of the late artist Swarna Ojah and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Goswami dwelt at length on the varied contributions of Ojah towards enrichment of Assamese art and culture.
Chakravartty, in his speech, said Ojah was fortunate to have the closest and long company with Dr Bhupen Hazarika and also with many other cultural stalwarts of the State including Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Bishnu Rabha, Gajen Baruah and Parvati Prasad Baruah.
Chakravartty suggested that the State government urge the Centre to honour Ojah with a Padma award in recognition to his monumental contributions.
Actor Pranjal Saikia recited a long revolutionary poem of Ojah, captivating the audience.
At another function held under the aegis of Ratna Ojah Kalapith at Dispur Last Gate Naamghar, the contributions of Ojah were recalled by several speakers. Director of the Kalapith Ramen Das welcomed the guests and paid tribute to the memory of Ojah.
Addressing the function, DN Chakravartty referred to the tireless efforts of the Kala Ratna towards cementing the bond of unity between the people of hills and plains of Assam.
Dr Dayananda Pathak, secretary of Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Samaj Sudarshan Thakur, Achyut Patowary and Prabhat Sarma also spoke on the occasion.
