GUWAHATI, March 1 � The Tarun Duvarah Memorial Oil India Award 2010 was presented to eminent painter Benu Misra and distinguished music director and singer Ramen Baruah at a function held in the city today.
The honours were given away by Meghalaya Governor, Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, during a programme that paid rich tributes to Tarun Duvarah, a versatile artiste with a vast repertoire spanning art, drama and cinema.
Misra and Baruah were each presented with a citation, a memento, a chador and a cash amount of Rs 1 lakh.
Receiving the award, Misra recalled his high regard for Tarun Duvarah, and said that he had learnt a lot from the artist who was a storehouse of knowledge and talent. He expressed his gratitude to Oil India Limited and Gauhati Artistes� Guild for selecting him for the honour.
Baruah, in his acceptance speech, recalled his association with the late artist and described him as a versatile genius, who had to struggle before receiving due recognition. He thanked the organizers for bestowing the award on him.
In his speech, Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, spoke on art and artists and qualities which made them stand out from the masses. He was of the view that it was only when a person could work with head, heart and hands that true art could be produced.
Artists create new things from a deep urge from within themselves, they render new things with the sheer strength of their spirit, he mentioned.
He regretted that even though there were talented artists in remote areas, they often do not receive due exposure. However, with perseverance artists can still achieve great heights.
Speaking on behalf of Oil India Limited, BN Talukdar, Director of Exploration and Development referred to the eventful history of the energy major, and added that it was an entity with proven credentials in carrying out social responsibilities. He appreciated the Gauhati Artists� Guild and the jury for choosing this year�s winners.
The function also had a brief address by Sudha Duvarah, wife of the celebrated artist.
It is worth mentioning that late Tarun Duvarah (1921-1998) was a painter who earned acclaim for his extensive range, and had close ties with many cultural icons of his times. Moreover, he was a successful actor who excelled on stage as well as in cinema.
