Face2News/Guwahati
Borgeet is a distinct genre of Assamese music that encompasses not only devotional flavour but also the dramatic compositions used in Ankia Naat, said noted Assamese musician and researcher Dr Pabitra Pran Goswami recently while delivering the 5th Harinarayan Dutta Baruah memorial lecture at Assam down town University (AdtU) in the city’s outskirt.
The event commemorated the diamond jubilee of Dutta Baruah’s seminal publication of ‘Borgeet’ with the theme ‘The Musical Tradition of Borgeet’. Dr Goswami highlighted how the diverse regional styles and raga-interpretations within Borgeet (which were composed by Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva in the 15-16th centuries) reflect both spiritual depth and evolving cultural practices. He emphasised the need for spiritual and scholarly engagement to preserve the integrity of this classical tradition.
Begun with a welcome address delivered by AdtU vice-chancellor Dr Narayan Chandra Talukdar, the annual academic event also witnessed the release of a commemorative book titled ‘Harinarayan Dutta Baruah: Life and Works’.
Edited by Dr Ruby Goswami, the book was released by Publication Board Assam secretary Pramod Kalita. A documentary film titled ‘Harinarayan’ was also screened. Directed by Utpal Datta where music was added by Tarali Sarma, the documentary was developed with the concept of AdtU chancellor Dr Narendra Nath Dutta. Noted educationalist Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury, who was present as an honoured guest on the occasion, appreciated the entire initiative. It was followed by cultural programs where the AdtU faculty members and students performed Borgeet and Bhortaal dances.