NALBARI, Feb 23 � The mortal remains of renowned artist, �Jiban Silpi� Adya Sarma, who passed away here yesterday, were consigned to flames with thousands of people attending his funeral here this evening.
People in large numbers offered their last respects to the artist at the Nalbari Swahid Bhawan, where his body was kept for two hours this morning. Former president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha Kanak Sen Deka, AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya, former State Minister Nilamani Sen Deka, professor of the Gauhati University Dr Abani Kumar Bhagawati, and singer Diganta Bharati, among others, offered their last respects to the departed soul. Besides, over 500 organisations and numerous individuals also offered their homage to the artist.
The body of �Guruji� was then brought to the Sri Sri Harimandir premises, where various organisations paid floral tributes to him.
The last journey of the artist then started from Harimandir to the Shantidham public crematorium for his last rites. Manoj Sarma, a nephew of the artist, performed the rituals.
Offering her last respects to the artist, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Bismita Gogoi said that the State government will take the responsibility of fulfilling the late Sarma�s dream of establishing an art college at Nalbari, where his contributions will also be preserved.
Taking part at the funeral, Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya said that the Nalbari district unit of AASU will take steps to install a statue of Adya Sarma on the premises of the Nalbari Swahid Bhawan. He felt the artist was deprived of recognition at the national level and even the State government failed to give due recognition to him.
The president of the State BJP unit, Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, also attended the funeral and termed the death as a huge loss for Assam. He said the BJP will take all possible steps to preserve his contributions.
The Deputy Commissioner of Nalbari, Dr Om Prakash, also offered his last respects to the artist. The business establishments of the town today downed their shutters as a mark of respect to the departed artist.
