Assam ethnic-cultural harmony & exchange mission

Hrishikesh Sarma

(hriskikeshsarma@gmail.com)

Assam is the meeting ground of diverse cultures. Assam has many ethnic communities residing in the state. By and large, they are living within their community, secluded from others and with only a few members practising their traditions. Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society has taken up this initiative that will evoke a sense to bridge this gap and revive the fading traditions of each community. It will be a step towards promoting the performing arts tradition of one community among another, and in the process unifying the diversity of the land through cultural exchange and promulgating the concept of 'Bor Asom'.

This is a residential workshop, in the first phase of which, participants from 20 selected ethnic groups/communities of Assam enable a wave of unity to rise through inter-liaising and bonding between each of the representatives of the groups. The first phase of this Mission started with its first workshop that was held from November 8, 2021, till November 22, 2021. The second workshop was held on December 7, 2021. In this manner, five workshops will be completed by the end of the first phase of the Mission. Thirty participants have participated from each tribe. The participants have got a chance to meet, exchange thoughts and ideas and develop a connection with not only the participants from other groups but also with other eminent artistes, Intellectuals and established personalities of Assam. Xattriya, Bhortaal & Borgeet lessons have been imparted for performing arts & culture, as well as for historical knowledge to create awareness about this centuries-old great living tradition of Assam incepted by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva and Sri Sri Madhabadeva in the 15th century. Sessions on Mati Akhora and Yoga will also have been imparted each day to inculcate an aptitude for good health.

Intellectuals have also been invited on each alternative day for the interactive season, Biswajit Daimary, Honourable Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr Ranoj Pegu, Education Minister of Assam, Basistha Bujar Baruah, Social Worker, Tarali Sarma, Singer, Nandita Garlosa, MLA from Dima Hasao, Soumyadeep Dutta, an environmentalist, and many others from all background. Guests were also present there every evening, Pabitra Margherita Chairman at Member Secretary, SLAC for Students and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, Bidya Sagar Singer, Simanta Shekhar Singer, and many more had come and enjoyed a beautiful moment with participants. They also had interactive seasons. A homely environment has been created inside the Kalakshetra premises, as not to miss their home.

This workshop is an effort that aims at strengthening the state as a whole by unifying the different tribal and ethnic communities and groups that dwell on this land. This initiative is an opportunity to gear up the society to understand and realize the potentialities and talent of each community by another community in a positive and prospective environment. The ground has been created to connect every individual to the concept of feeling one as a state and to not lose their own identity in the name of modernization. Dissemination of the original cultural heritage of the land around the country and the world will develop a sense of pride, statehood and appreciation of and connection with their roots among the new generations. The youths who are the spine of our society have been able to blossom globally yet stand strong on the foundation of their Ethnic Cultural Heritage, and this in return has helped in the preservation, promotion and protection of the same. These young candidates have been given complete support to enhance their personalities helping them to bud as young leaders.

Twenty groups of Assam have been selected after deep planning and discussion to cover major communities and ethnicities, including other representatives: Bodo, Tiwa, Tai Ahom, Matak in phase A, Mising, Hajong, Tea Tribe, Nepali in phase B, Karbi, Dimasa, Sonowal, Chutia in phase C, Rabha, Koch Rajbongshi, Moran, Deori in phase D, Thengal Kachari, Singpho, Koch, Bishnupriya Manipuri in phase E.

This workshop will be conducted in 5 different parts wherein the communities of Group I have interacted and learnt songs and dances of the communities of Group 3 and communities of Group 2 have interacted and learnt songs and dances of the communities of Group 4.

The expectations from the participants are that they take up their own culture in a thoughtful way and understand, respect and bond equally with all other cultures of the state.

The other remaining communities have been brought in to participate in similar workshops. Thereafter, advanced-level workshops have been conducted for fewer numbers of participants from all groups across Assam. This is intended to be continued further enabling and empowering the youths to continue the legacy of Cultural Heritage of the land as leaders. The Youth Force will drive the new generation / new society towards a united and stronger state of Assam.

At the end of each workshop, an event was held where every participant finds a platform to perform and showcase their learning and their talents as well. The whole event and workshop will boost up the confidence and provide impetus to these young minds to carry forward this concept with utmost responsibility. They have been able to stand tall as young leaders and spread the pride & uniqueness of their originality in their societies and across.'