GUWAHATI: Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi honoured Hem Chandra Goswami of the Chamaguri Satra for his wonderful work and contribution towards the enrichment of traditional, ceremonial and ritualistic mask making (mukha shilpa) at the Raj Bhavan here on Monday.
Mukhi said, "I was really impressed with his expertise in making masks. I have personally visited the Xatra and closely observed his works on mask making. He has dedicated his life and efforts for the preservation of this rare tradition to ensure its survival despite all odds. His efforts towards popularization of this traditional art and craft have contributed immensely towards its national & international recognition and patronage."
The art of mask making has been an exquisite culture of Majuli Xatras. Masks are designed to bring out the character being enacted in Bhaonas and Raas Utsavs at Majuli. They accentuate different features of the characters which are otherwise difficult to portray.
According to an official communiqué, the Governor honoured Goswami with a xarai, gamocha, an appreciation letter and Rs 50,000 from his discretionary fund. The Governor wished him a good health and a successful life ahead.
The small function was attended by Hem Chandra Goswami's brother and his son along with Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, SS Meenakshi Sundaram and officers and staff of Raj Bhavan.
APPEAL TO YOUTH: Earlier on Sunday, the Governor said that India is like a big family where everybody should work for the protection of identity, security, unity, integrity and culture of the country.
Speaking at a youth conclave on the theme 'Nation First: Calling the Youths' organized by the Council for Teacher Education Foundation (CTEF), Assam in collaboration with Gauhati University NSS Cell at Phanidhar Datta Seminar Hall in Gauhati University, the Governor said that India represents the concept of one big family. Just as the safety of any member of a family puts the entire family in danger, similarly if one part of the country or if any citizen of the country becomes weak, it has its cascading effect on the entire nation. Therefore, one should always be ready to serve country with body, mind and soul.
The Governor said that the Council for Teacher Education Foundation, established in 1985, has been working continuously for the educational development and welfare of teachers. Along with this, this organization is also striving for positive changes in the educational sector of the country. He thanked the organizers for having hosted the conclave on the theme, which according to him, will help in realizing 'Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat', stated a Raj Bhawan communique.
Addressing the youth who participated in the conclave, the Governor said that all should adequately be working to strengthen the feeling of 'Nation First'. He said that on one hand, this "Bharat-bhoomi" is the birthplace of many great souls like Rama-Krishna-Mahavir-Buddha, on the other hand, it has also been the Karmabhoomi of great men like Srimanta Sankardev, Sri Shankaracharya, Nanak Dev, Mahaprabhu Chaitanya so on and so forth.
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