“Kabya Konwar” title confers to Pranab Kumar Barman

Texpur: Renowned Assamese poet Pranab Kumar Burman was conferred the honorary title “Kabya Konwar” (Prince of Poetry) by socio-cultural organization Prayas at a special event, ‘Akou Prayas’ held at the Baliram Lahkar Hall of Asomiya Club in Tezpur on Sunday. On behalf of the organisation President of Prayas Achyut Sarma, Secretary Pritam Bora,president of reception committee Pankaj Baruah and MLA of Tezpur Prithiraj Rabha ceremonially conferred the honour upon the distinguished poet of the state Pranab Kumar Barman. The event also witnessed the formal release of ‘Prem Aru Bidrohar Jui’ (Flame of Love and Rebellion), a poetry collection by Pritam Bora, Secretary of Prayas, unveiled by Pranab Kumar Barman alongside MLA Prithiraj Rabha, retired professor Purneswar Nath, and retired Principal of Darrang College Dr. Abani Kumar Sarma. A modern Assamese song by rising singer Abhipriya Goswami, composed by Sanjay Krishna Gohain Baruah with lyrics by Mukut Goswami was also launched. The programme began with lighting of ceremonial lamp by Khirada Mahanta, widow of late Sattradhikar Putul Mahanta and a Borgeet performance by Hiramoni Lahkar. Addressing the audience, MLA Prithiraj Rabha highlighted the decline of Tezpur’s literary and cultural prominence and said , 'When core values thrive, politics and culture alike can keep a nation alive and vibrant.’ In his speech, Pranab Kumar Barman emphasized the need for the younger generation to preserve tradition and culture. Citing global poets Federico Garcia Lorka and Pablo Neruda, he said Assamese youth must keep their heritage alive through art and literature. ‘If humanity can shed its war-loving mindset, we can create a beautiful world. The Jewish devotion to language and culture is something to emulate,’ he added, before reciting his poem ‘Half Lata Mangeshkar, Half Mohammed Rafi.’ Secretary of Prayas Pritam Bora elaborated the troublesome journey of Prayas as a socio-cultural organisation during the last years in the meeting presided over by Achyut Kumar Sarma. This was followed by an insightful lecture by Purneswar Nath. The event concluded with the launch of Abhipriya Goswami’s song, marking another milestone for Prayas’s cultural endeavours in Tezpur. The entire programme was conducted by Pankaj Baruah.