GAURIPUR, Dec 29 - On the occasion of death anniversary of Pratima Barua Pandey, a life-size statue of the famous singer was unveiled today by Nizanur Rahman, MLA, Gauripur LAC amidst a large number of dignitaries on the Lalji campus of PB College here. The statue has been made with a sum of Rs 25 lakh provided by the MLA from his fund and sculpted by Biren Singha. A memorial udyan along side was also inaugurated by Dhiren Roy, president, PB College.
The meeting held on the occasion was chaired by Prabir Coomer Barua, the brother of the legendary folk singer. The opening song was sung by Maya Rani Roy of Gauripur Kala Parisad. Nizanur Rahman, MLA, Dhiren Adhikary, Kshitish Chandra Roy, President, Gauripur Branch Sahitya Sabha, Abdul Hanif Talukdar, I/C Principal, PB College and a few others recalled the contributions of the empress of Goalparia folk song and urged upon the people of the State to popularise her songs for development of folk culture and tradition throughout the country and abroad.
Goalparia folk songs were presented by Jahanara Begum and Meghna Sahi. The Dhubri Branch Sahitya Sabha, AASU unit of Gauripur also observed the death anniversary of the folk singer by organising various programmes.