CORRECTED-ABSU president calls for unity for development of every community in Assam

The All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) president Pramod Boro has given a call for unity for the development of people of every caste and community living in Assam. Bodo said this at the inauguration of the week-long Kartik Hazarika National Theatre Festival 2019 here on Thursday. Late Kartik Hazarika, a former All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader, was a cultural activist and noted theatre personality. Hazarika was actively associated with the 'Baan Theatre' of Tezpur and served as its president till his death.

He had also held the post of chairman of government- run 'Jyoti Chitraban' studio in Guwahati and was a part of several Assamese films. After unfurling the 'Flag of Integrity' at the inauguration ceremony, Boro said that the present society of Assam is suffering from mistrust, dishonesty and hatred. "To defy this, we have to be sincere in sharing others problems, to be caring and be sensitive in giving honour and respect to each other," he said. The spirit of integration among the different communities is the most distinguishing feature of a heterogeneous region like Assam, with an awesome diversity of cultures which leads to dissolution of all parochial differences, the ABSU president said.

Mentioning Tezpur's importance as a culture-capital in the region, the student leader also mentioned how theatre plays a vital role in changing society. Stating that rapid urbanisation is severely affecting culture and civilisation, Boro emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the rural and urban ambience. During the festival, plays will be staged by reputed theatre groups such as Ratan Thiyams 'Chorus Repertory Theatre, Kolkata-based 'Chetana theatre group', Bengaluru-based 'Spandan' and Mumbai-based 'Dharam Jam'.

"Kabir" directed by Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Shekhar Sen, "Ismat Apa Ke Naam" by Naseeruddin Shah of 'Motley' will also be staged at the festival. Among the plays from Assam to be shown at the festival are "Aeserenga Rod" by Assamese playwrights Pranjal Saikia and Purnima Saikia, "Jibit Ya Mrit" directed by Dr Anuradha Kapoor with Seema Biswas in the cast, "Khamoshi Sili Sili" by the National School of Drama Repertory Company directed by Suresh Sharma, Director of National School of Drama, and "Mukha Mukhi" by 'Surjya' and directed by Nayan Prasad, the festival organisers said. Film actor Adil Hussain will also be present during the festival.

(With inputs from agencies.)