Going to China? Take the ‘still well’ road

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Imagine a trip to China through an all-weather road winding its way through undulating hills and valleys of the Eastern Himalayas. The distance? Just 400 kms. That is, less the distance by road from Guwahati to Dibrugarh.

A new documentary by a film-maker duo of Assam has documented a little-known road, which stretches from Tinsukia to Rima in China and can become the shortest link with the Communist giant. The most important part is that the road is ready to use, barring a few kms. Filmmaker Mrinal Talukdar and Suman Dev Choudhury have documented this route in a 26-minute documentary,

Road to China, produced by the Films Division of the Union ministry of information and broadcasting. The easiest land access to China passes through Parasuram Kunda, HailalyungWalong-Kibithu and finally reaches Rima in Yunnan province. “The fact remains that there are very easy and good roads right up to the border and they are not very mountainous and if both the governments agree someday, you can drive down to China, spending just about Rs2000 in fuel,” Mrinal Talukdar told Seven Sisters Post.

“It may be too early to dream of an immigration point and then drive to the most beautiful region of China through a beautiful highway, but the fact that it is not impossible as the geographical terrain is so surprisingly easy and smooth with both sides having good roads all the way up to the border,” he added.

Only in the last three kms over the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the road is broken.

In fact, on the Indian side, the road from Tinsukia to Kibithu is an all-weather road free from snow. The duo feels that if the road is developed it can open up new opportunities as far as trade and commerce between the neighbouring countries are concerned. “Most importantly, we do not need the Stilwell Road which is actually more of an emotional issue than actual reality. The Stilwell Road is nothing but dense jungle of more than 400 kms as there is no road. Constructing a road means destruction of pristine forests. Besides the road goes south towards Myanmar then enters Yunnan province crossing about 1700 kilometres,” Talukdar said.

Suman Dev Choudhury said the road can also be beneficial for the people living in far-flung areas of Arunachal Pradesh. “If India can have direct road access to Bangladesh or even Pakistan, then why not with China for the benefit of both sides? We always think and discuss of war but nobody ever expresses their concern for the people living in inhuman condition along the borders,” he added. The film has been shortlisted by the Films Division of India to be screened at various national and international film festivals. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Namaste London: Assam dancer set for Olympic show

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: When the curtains go up on the ‘greatest show on earth’ in London on July 25, an Assam-born dancer is all but set for her grandest performance in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The twinkle-toed Sonali Acharjee — a Guinness record-holder Odissi dancer born and brought up in Assam — revealed here on Thursday that the Olympic organisers have contacted her for a possible performance during the opening ceremony. Sonali’s name is written in the Guinness Book of World Records for dancing over 25 hours at a stretch. She was born in Hailakandi in Barak Valley but is a resident of Hyderabad now after her marriage. She runs a dance academy at Hyderabad.

Sonali Acharjee with the certificate. Pic by: Bitopan Borborah

“The organizing committee (of the Olympics) is in touch with the Guinness authorities. So, hopefully, I will be able to perform in the opening ceremony of the Olympics. It would be great for the country, for dance lovers and for everybody if it happens,” she said. Over the years, the opening ceremony of the Olympics has turned out to be a spectacular event, for its grandiose scale as well as special effects. It is also one of the most watched events on television with an estimated audience of nearly four billion across the world.

During her interaction with newsmen, Sonali said that her Guinness record performance took place on February 1 and 2 this year. Performed by 25 members, the longest Rabindra Dance marathon ran for 25 hours and 25 minutes non-stop at the Rabindra Bharati in Hyderabad. “I’m happy and thankful to those who have made it possible,” she said. The troupe performed the four most celebrated ballets of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore — Chitrangada, Chandalika, Shyama and Bhanu Singher Padavali.

The performance, which was choreographed by Sonali herself, included musical components composed by Tagore and was presented in seven Indian classical dance forms in seven languages.

Besides artistes from West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, several dancers from countries like France Germany, Japan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also took part in the performance.

“I played the lead role while performing all the four ballets while the rest of the members of the troupe supported me,” she said.

She further said to change roles in the allotted 18 seconds between the dances was really tough during the 25 hours and 25 minutes.

The Odissi dance exponent has been honoured with the Nrityacharya Award in Assam, and “Pratibha Puraskar” in Chennai in 2010.

She is now preparing to break into the next level of Guinness book of world records. “I’m planning a performance through a fusion of folk dances of Assam and Andhra Pradesh. I will organise the event in  Assam if I get proper support from the Assam government. There is also another performance in mind as a tribute to Lord Balaji.”

She is also nurturing a dream to open a dance institute in Assam to share her experience with the youngsters of the state. However, her biggest dream is the possible Olympics performance. And it will be worth a gold medal for a performing artiste. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Orchids face extinction threat in Assam

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Orchids are found in large numbers in the entire Indo-Burma Bio diversity hotspot that includes the northeastern region, including Assam.

But, unfortunately, due to lack of proper preservation and documentation, the precious species are facing the threat of extinction. According to official records, altogether 200 species of orchids are found in Assam, while 800 to 1000 species are found in the entire Northeast.

“Among others, the fast destruction of habitat areas and indiscriminate collection are the prime reasons why it is facing the threat. If necessary actions are not taken by the government, may be in the next 10 years we will lose some very precious species of orchid,” said Mujib Ahmed, chief convener of Patkai Trekkers, an NGO.

During the last two years, nearly 218 sq km of forest areas were destroyed. Various species of orchids like Dendrobium, Rhynchostylis and Aerides, among others, are commonly found in Assam. Among all these Rhynchostylis retusa or Kopou (foxtail orchid) is the most popular here, which is also the state flower of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

In Assam, it is intensively used during the Bihu celebrations and it also acts as a symbol of fertility and merriment. Among all the species found in Assam, 27 are endemic while seven others species have already extinct.

“The poachers collect the orchids indiscriminately and smuggle off to nearby countries, especially China, which get them huge amount of money. This is the prime season why these smugglers are in the job” he pointed out.

The orchids are in high demand for its usage in various purposes, from making perfumes to medicines. Their juices are used to make eye drops against glaucoma, cataract and blindness. Active ingredients of Vanda coerulea may fight against the visible signs of ageing skin.

In the international market, a tree of orchid can cost up to US $700. Vanda coerulea, commonly known as Blue Vanda, is a species of orchid endemic to Assam and neighbouring Khasi Hills with its range extending to China. Another major reason why the orchids lack preservation is that the common people are not aware of it.

“As more than 70 per cent of the orchids here are epiphytes, they suffer when people cut trees and do not know how to take proper care of these orchids,” he added.

Patkai Trekkers has also urged the government to set up research centres for their preservation and for spreading awareness.

“The forest department can tie up with universities in this regard to set up research institutes,” Ahmed added.

He said the preservation of the orchids would even encourage the tourism sector in the region. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Dispur snubs Olympian pugilist Shiva Thapa

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Fresh from earning an Olympic berth, Assam’s young hero with a golden punch Shiva Thapa returned home to a hero’s welcome on Sunday, but an insensitive Dispur did not even have the courtesy of sending a representative to receive the pugilist.

But that’s not all. 

Ever since, Thapa started flooring his opponents and making headlines, the state government has announced a series of cash awards for the boxer but has forgot to release a single penny till now. Till date, the government owes around Rs 20 lakh to the youngster, who has become the toast of the state.

Not that Thapa has any complaints. Like a true sportsman, Shiva said after returning that he was not concerned about “such issues” and was fully focused on his job at hand: that is winning a medal for India in the London Olympics.

“My job is to concentrate on my game. It (money) is not my concern,” he told newsmen at the Nehru Stadium prior to a felicitation programme organized by the Assam Amateur Boxing Association. Fans and well-wishers jostled for space to have a glimpse of the youngster as he was accorded a warm welcome by family-members, representatives of the All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (Aagsu) and a large gathering of his fans.

Shiva with Wasim Akram

The Aagsu expressed shock at the step-motherly treatment of the government. “We were really shocked to find nobody from the sports department or the state government. We do not understand why such step-motherly behaviour is meted out to Thapa,” Nanda Kirati Dewan, an Aagsu leader told Seven Sisters Post.

“Such behaviour of the government has made us think that it is communal,” he added. The students’ body also demanded that the government should release the funds to the young boxer and to all the sportspersons who give their best under very demanding circumstances to bring laurels for their state and country. “The government has been just announcing financial aids but in the reality Shiva is not getting the funds. It’s of no use if he gets it after the Olympics. It’s same with the other sports persons too. The government should take serious steps in this regard,” he said.

The government had declared several cash awards amounting to around Rs 20 lakh including Rs 2 lakh when Thapa had won a silver medal at the youth Olympics in 2010.

“It’s very unfortunate that nobody was seen there at the airport to receive Shiva. It’s a major achievement. Just four sportspersons from the state have done it so far. It seems to be the negligence of the government towards sports and sportspersons,” said Assam 

Archery Association president Jayanta Boro.

11 year old Shiva with Mary Kom

However, East Guwahati MLA Robin Bordoloi was present during the felicitation programe. But all he did was say that Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has announced Rs10 lakh for the young boxer.

The other Olympian of the state archer Jayanata Talukdar had received Rs5 lakh fron the state government but his father felt that the sportspersons should get their due from the government. 

“It’s good that the government has declared Rs10 lakh for Shiva but the important thing is that he should get it in due time. But there should not be any discrimination in this regard. Everyone should be treated equally,” Jayanta’s father Ranjan Talukdar told Seven Sisters Post. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Shiva Thapa returns home

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: It was not just another day on Sunday as country’s boxing sensation Shiva Thapa landed at the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport after booking a berth for the 2012 London Summer Olympics in style.

Later, the moment became emotional as he along with his first coach Amar Deka, went to the place from where the journey had began a decade ago at the Ulubari Boxing Club on Sunday.

Shiva Thapa dances during a felicitation programme at Ulubari Boxing Club in Ghy. Pic: Bitopan Borbora

“I am so happy to be here. It’s a feeling like returning home after so many days,” said an emotional Shiva as he paid tributes to Biren Boro, the man who introduced him to boxing.

“I wish he were alive to hear the good news. He would have been the happiest man on earth at this moment,” he added.

Amar Deka, who initially provided coaching to Shiva Thapa at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre at Guwahati in 2003-04, was also taught by Biren Boro at the Ulubari Boxing Club in 1980s.

Ulubari Boxing Club, which was set up by Biren Boro in 1950, has produced several pugilists in the state and some of them went on to represent their state in several national championships.

The 18-year-old Shiva, who has become the youngest-ever pugilist to represent the country in the most prestigious sporting event on earth, has also thanked people for their support and blessings.

“I am thankful to the people of the region, especially Assam, who have prayed for me and loved me. I will give my 200 per cent not to let their hopes down to bring an Olympic medal. The credit goes to our coach Gurbux Singh Sandhu, physios and the support stuff who have helped us all the way to reach this position,” said Shiva while addressing his fans in a jam-packed conference hall of Assam Olympic Association (AOA) where Assam Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) felicitated him.

Shiva, who fought in 56-kg bantam weight category, won back-to back gold in two senior international tournaments. Besides the Asian qualifying tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan, he also won gold at the “Belgrade Winner 2011”in Belgrade, Serbia last year.

“It was one of the proudest moments to sing the national anthem with the Tri-colour flying high. When I entered the semifinal, I was sure to create history. I just punched my way to glory,” he said.

On Monday, Shiva will leave for Patiala before leaving for Kazakhstan for another tournament. He might also travel to England for a 15-daylong training programme. He is also hopeful that the Indian boxers will do well in the Olympics. “Our boxers are in good rhythm and I am sure that they will do well.

However, the main event will be tougher. Indian boxers will face tough challenge from pugilists from Cuba, Kazakhstan, Russia and other European countries in the main event. We have to be extra cautious in such event,” he said. He also thanked Amar Deka for teaching him basic lessons of boxing. “I am very proud that this boy has reached this stage. I’m sure he will achieve more milestones and bring laurels to the region and the country in days to come,” Deka said. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Hollywood sound affair for Assam lad

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: After young pugilist Shiva Thapa confirmed his space at the London Summer Olympics, another Assam guy Debajit Changmai has signed for a Hollywood flick to be directed by Meera Nair on Wednesday, April 11.

Debajit Changmai, a national award winning sound mixer from Sivasagar of Assam was signed by Mira Nair for her latest venture ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ based on an award winning novel by Mohsin Hamid by the same name which features several big names of Hollywood.

“It’s a major break for me. I think it came at the right time. My hard work is paid off,” an elated Debajit told Seven Sisters Post from Mumbai after he signed the contact.

The film is depicts a tale of a young Pakistani man working on Wall Street who is deeply affected by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre.

He would start to work for the film which features Kiefer Sutherland, Kate Hudson and Liev Schreiber and several others on the later part of May this year.

This would be for the first time in the history that the sound mixing and editing of any Hollywood film would completely be done in India. Besides Debajit, the other Indians to be involved in the project are Om Puri, Shabana Azmi, Chak de India famed Shimit Amin and Satish.

The film which has locations of New Delhi would be completed in 2013.

Debajit Changmai had won the national award for the year 2010 for re-recording of the final mixed track of Hindi film ‘Ishqiya’ in the 58th National Film awards. Besides ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ he has several other projects in the pipe line.

Among them are Priyadarshan’s ‘Tezz’ and ‘Talaash: The Answer Lies Within’ a psychological thriller written and directed by another Assam girl Reema Kagti.

“Besides, I’m working on a project of Norway, a documentary on the life of renowned filmmaker Ingmar Bergman with Resul Pookutty and on another project of Ajay Devagan titled ‘Sardar’ which would be released in Diwali. There is another film ‘Student of the year’ by Karan Johar,” he said. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy enthralls Guwahati

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: It was a night meant for peace and harmony and the medium to attain it was music. The ‘messengers of peace’ for the night had come all the way from Mumbai to Sarusajai Stadium in the city.

Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi, Chaav hai kahhi hai dhoop zindagi, Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo, Jo hai sama, kal ho na ho…… this is how it began as Shankar Mahadevan of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio paid tribute to departed Assam musician Charu Gohain on stage in front of a 10,000-strong crowd.

“He made people happy by writing and composing music. We salute his efforts. May his soul rest in peace,” Mahadevan said.

The programme titled ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ was organised by Assam Police Wives’ Welfare Association in a bid to bring peace and harmony among people.

“Music can be greatly influential in bringing a change in any part of the globe. It’s great to see the change. We always tried our best to convey the message of peace through music. We should love each other and be in harmony,” said Ehsaan Noorani. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy — one of the most popular music bands across the country — belted out their popular tracks one after another.

When Shankar Mahadevan started Maine jise abhi abhi dekha hai, kaun hai woh anjaani, woh hai koi kali ya koi kiran,ya hai koi kahani, use jitna dekhon utna sochon, kya use main keh doon…… in no time he found himself surrounded by a group of ‘pretty women’. “They are my favourite Indian band. I have even watched their live performance once in Mumbai. But to dance with Shankar Mahadevan was really special for me,” said one of the girls who rushed on to the stage. 

There was another moment when the crowds cheered loudly as they found that the bass guitarist of the band, Dibya Nath, belonged to Guwahati as Shankar Mahadevan introduced his band mates to the public. 

On the occasion renowned singer and folk music exponent Khagen Mahanta was also felicitated for his contribution in enriching the cultural heritage of the state.

Northeast Breeze, another popular music band of the region also performed on the occasion and their music album Reflection was also released by the trio. “It was a proud moment for us. Shankar released the album for us. We are lucky that the album was ready and it coincided with the occasion,” Rupam Bhuyan, the vocalist of the band told Seven Sisters Post.

The band members of the Northeast Breeze were also excited to perform with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for the first time. “It was a nice experience and we are looking ahead to performing more shows with them,” Bhuyan further said. The album Reflection consists of eight numbers and reflects burning issues of the present society.

“Ainaam is on pollution while Chera Dhek brings the message of peace and harmony. Maya Bhora is based on the philosophy of life and it’s a fusion of Sanatan naam and Zikir. The title track Reflection portrays the day to day life of the people of the present time,” he said. “Besides, there is a Bihu number and a Nisukoni Geet,” he added. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Men always afraid of the strength of women: Waris Dirie

Abdul Gani

WARIS MEANS Desert Flower, a flower that can bloom even in the roughest climate. Waris Dirie is a nomadic child from Somalia and a mother of two beautiful sons. She is a human rights activist, a supermodel, and a best-selling author who has received numerous prestigious awards for her work and her commitment in the fight against female genital mutilation.

Waris Dirie was born in 1965 into a nomad family living in the region of Gallcaio, in the Somali desert near the border to Ethiopia. At the tender age of five, she underwent the inhuman procedure of genital mutilation (FMG- Female Genital Mutilation). This horrible tradition is still practiced worldwide today. According to estimations of the United Nations, more than 8, 000 girls become victims of this cruel crime every day.

What is FGM: Female Genital Mutilation (often referred to as FGM) is a destructive operation, during which the female genitals are partly or entirely removed or injured with the goals of inhibiting a woman’s sexual feelings. Most often the mutilation is performed before puberty, often on girls between the age of four and eight, but recently it is increasingly performed on nurslings who are only a couple of days, weeks or months old.

At the age of 13 Waris fled from a forced marriage to a man, who could have been her grandfather in age. After an adventurous escape she arrived in London and worked there as a housemaid and at McDonald’s.

Then she was discovered by a top British photographer Terence Donovan as a model at the age of 18 and became an international celebrity.

She was given a part as a James Bond girl in the movie The Living Daylight, side by side with Timothy Dalton.

Then Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, appointed her as UN Special Ambassador in 1997 for the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. She travelled the world for the UN, participated in conferences, met with presidents, Nobel Prize winners and movie stars and collects enormous funds for the UN.

In 2002 she founded her own foundation, named Waris Dirie Foundation, based in Vienna/Austria and since then has collected money for her own projects.

For over 12 years, Waris Dirie has fought against female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide. At least 150 million women and girls are affected by this cruel practice, which continues to be performed in Africa, but also in Asia, Europe, America and Australia.

The Waris Dirie Foundation seeks to end this crime by raising public awareness, creating networks, organizing events and educational programmes. The foundation also supports victims of FGM.

She has also earned fame as an author. In 1997 Waris Dirie’s biography Desert Flower became an international bestseller. The book appeared in more than 50 licensed editions and became number 1 of the best-seller lists in many countries. Till today, there were 11 million copies sold worldwide. Besides that she penned Desert Dawn, Desert Children and Letter To My Mother. Her latest book Black Woman White Country was released recently.

These days she is busy with her endeavour in Africa. In an interview the former supermodel reveals more her thoughts and mission.

Excerpts:

Abdul Gani: Dirie, please tell our readers why you have gave up modeling and dedicate yourself to humanitarian work.

Waris Dirie: From the moment I was mutilated, even though I was still a small child, I always knew that I would one day fight against FGM. Having had gained fame through modeling, I knew the right moment had come, so I took the chance.

AG: Give an idea of your foundation and how it works?

WD: My foundation provides information on FGM to victims, journalists, schools, universities and anyone who wants to become involved in the fight against it. We also work on projects that focus on the empowerment of women in general, since FGM is nothing else but the most brutal form of suppression of women. We receive countless emails, often from young people, and every single email will be answered. You can get a good impression of the work of the WDF on the website (www.waris-dirie-foundation.com) and follow my projects in Africa on my blog (warisdirie.wordpress.com). People can also follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Waris_Dirie) and facebook (www.facebook.com/warisdirie)

AG: You have been working in these fields for years. In which continent you have devoted more time? What are the differences in problems faced by women in Africa, Asia or Europe?

WD:In the past, I did most of my works in Europe, raising awareness about FGM. I have always been involved in Africa, too, but in the future, Africa will be my focus.

Through the thousands of emails I have received, I have learned that although women live under very different circumstances in Africa, Asia and Europe, their problems are more similar than one would expect. It seems that women who have experienced violence in any form relate to my books and my life story a lot, even though they come from completely different backgrounds.

AG: Rate of development throughout the years? Are you satisfied?

WD: A lot of things have improved, many states have enacted laws against FGM or made existing laws more restrictive. But I will not be satisfied until there is not a single girl on this planet affected by FGM.

AG: Have you ever come to India? What do you think about the Indian women and their problems? Any plan of visiting the country in near future?

WD:Unfortunately, I have never been to India, but I would love to go, so please invite me!

AG: Besides FMC (female genital mutilation), women also suffer from other severe problems. What are the major causes? Just lack of education or what?

WD: I think men are and always have been afraid of the strength of women. This is the root cause for all suppression, discrimination and crimes against women.

AG: How it can be solved? Do you think that males in the society too have a major role to play?

WD: Women need to gain more independence, financially and socially. In Europe you can see that having your own income gives women more independence and eventually close to an equal social status. I know that African women are very very strong, and I want the same development for them. This is why I am working on projects to employ women under fait conditions. This way, they become independent and strong.

AG: We know that you have also earned a good name as a writer. Tell some of your experiences as a writer and a little about your latest book Schwarze Frau, Weisses Land (Black Woman White Country).

WD: My new book is my most political, but also a very personal book. It is a book about Africa and my hopes, dreams and plans both for my home continent and for myself. It is a book about the differences between Africa and my new home in Europe and about my desire to return home. But it is also a book that criticizes a lot of things that are happening in Africa and gives some ideas about how to solve Africa’s problems.

AG: You have been doing a tremendous job. We can understand how tough it can be. We wish you good luck.

WD: Thank you. (merinews.com)

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Charu Gohain no more

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Even as Bohag is on its arrival, the romantic man is no more to invite his beloved ‘Bohagote Aahibi Senai Oi’ during the spring.

Charu Gohain, the man who created a weave of Romanticism with his songs and lyrics breathed his last at around 10.45 am at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) at the age of 61 on Saturday (March 7, 2012) leaving thousands of his fans shattered.

He was suffering from liver infection for a long time. GMCH superintendent Ramen Talukdar told Seven Sisters Post that the singer was admitted on February 24. “On April 5 he was shifted to ICU as his health deteriorated,” he said.

Charu Gohain who was known for his simplicity and romantic lyrics shot to limelight with his ‘Kone Bahi Bai Rati Muk Kondowai’ in the early 1970s which was composed by J P Das. After he stepped in the musical world as an All India Radio (AIR) artist in 1972, he wrote and sang songs which increased his admirers from different walks of life.

He was so passionate about music that during his initial stages when he was at Charaideo in Sivasagar district he used to travel around 20 kilometres on his bicycle to learn the craft of six strings. 

“He was passionate about music. He would do anything for the sake of music. To fill the void he left would be really tough. He was more than a friend to me,” said J P Das, one of his close friends.

Gohain who was born at Charaideo on September 17 in 1951 has performed at various stages at New Delhi, Mumbai and in Bengal across the country. He also worked with singers like Udit Narayan, Bappi Lahari and Jolly Mukherjee.

In the film ‘Bokor Majot Jole’, Udit Narayan sang ‘Xholla bosoria tumar deha’ which was written and composed by Gohain. Later he wrote around six songs for Bappi Lahari which were sang by Lahari, Gohai and Jolly Mukherjee.

“He was also working on an album with his son in law Pulok Nath before his health deteriorated,” Das said.

Altogether Gohain has sang around 200 songs. ‘Natun Niyor’ which was released in 1988 was his first album. Besides, ‘Surabhi’, ‘Jon Jole Kopalat’ and ‘Charu Gohainair Geet’ (Volume I and II) were his other albums. He was also a good guitarist besides being a composer and lyricist.

“He was always publicity shy and did his job silently. May be that’s why he was not regarded for any awards,” J P Das said. He left behind wife Sewali Gohain, daughters Kakoli and Surabhi Gohain.

Meanwhile, his demise has left the people in a state of sorrow. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi in a message said that Gohain could win the hearts of the people and his untimely death has left a huge void.

Several organizations including All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad, United People’s Front etc have condoled the death of Gohain.

“His contribution to enrich the cultural heritage of the state is commanding. May his soul rest in peace,” said AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi.

Popular singer Dwipen Barua said that besides being a good singer Gohain was also known for his skills with the strings.

“I met him at JP Das’ home and since then we had a special relationship. He was also swift with his guitar. I lost a friend whom I would miss every time I go at the stage,” said Barua. The ULFA hardliners too extended their condolences at the demise of Charu Gohain. (Seven Sisters Post)

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May not be in assets, but rich in currency

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: He is neither Tata nor Ambani but this gentleman probably has more currencies than the billionaires. Meet Anuj Kumar Barua who has as many as 250 currency notes and 300 coins from across the globe under his grasp, if not in his wallet but certainly in his albums.

Anuj Kumar Barua with one of his collections. Pic: Abdul Gani

Starting from the centuries old coins of the Arabian countries to Europe to Latin America, Africa and to our very own pre-Ahom era, he has the rarest of coins in his tally.

“I had no idea that I would end up collecting so much when I started sometimes around in late 1960s. I did it as a hobby,” Anuj Kumar Barua told Seven Sisters Post at his residence as he displays his collection of currencies.

Among the notes he has one Brazilian real which used to be in exercise some five decades ago. While, coins were from several centuries back which were used in Italy, Canada, Arab, England and in Assam before the Ahoms came.

“I have visited countries like China, Hongkong and Singapore and collected the currencies of their country. But others were accessed through various friends. Whenever I visit New Delhi or other Indian Metros I come across several foreign nationals and I end up being their friends,” he said.

Among the 130 countries he has a special liking for the Indian Rupee and Bangladeshi Taka but the Renminbi, the Chinese currency, leaves him speechless.

“I like Indian Rupee and even Bangladeshi Taka too is good. I also like touching the Singapore dollars but when it comes to Renminbi, it is very special,” he said.

The 66-year old former Bata India employee is also nurturing hope to organize exhibition for his collections.

“I just like being busy. I go through various magazines and journals and try to find out information on the currencies and the changes that take place over the years. I’m hopeful that soon I would be able to organize an exhibition of the currencies,” he said.

Now, Barua is hoping to collect more especially the smaller countries like Peru, Costa Rica, Cuba etc of Latin America. “Lets see how to manage it. It’s a bit difficult to find average visitors to those countries. I’m even ready to buy such currencies if someone has it,” he added. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Men always afraid of the strength of women: Waris Dirie

Men always afraid of the strength of women: Waris Dirie

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Samiran Barua finally arrives

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Finally the much hyped Samiran Barua arrived in the state. Young director Praduyt Kumar Deka’s ‘Samiran Barua Ahi Aase’ based on Manoj Kumar Goswami’s story which is released state-wide on Friday, March 30, with mixed reactions of the viewers.

Poster of the film

“To give some other’s story visual effect is really tough. I have found his attempt towards the film is good and refreshing. But the execution is not mature enough,” said noted film critic Chandan Sharma.

“I think the story is not 100 per cent justified in the reel version. He is still a young director and he will learn the craft with his experience in the days to come,” he added.

Tapan Das who plays the character Samiran Barua says that the director needed to be applauded for his efforts to do something new.

“Praduyt is a young guy. We have to appreciate his attempt to do something new and experimental,” Das said.

The director Praduyt Kumar Deka (c) with actors.

However, the director is not fully satisfied as he had to undergo financial crunch during the shooting. “I had to compromise in many areas due to financial crunch during the shooting. On many occasion I could not proceed according to the plan. Sometimes I had to cut short my shooting within a day while it needed two or three days for a better result. But I tried my best to justify the story. I wish I could do better,” Pradyut Kumar Deka, the director of the film told Seven Sisters Post.

Some of the scenes in the film were shot in deep jungles of Bhutan to show the hideouts of the rebels or in some encounter moments.

“Many scenes I cannot keep in the film according to my wish as the censor board has cut it. I believe that it makes your film less real,” Deka added who is all set to work for his next venture ‘Surjaastra’ from May.

The film which was released in 30 halls across the state and seven in the city portrays four stories together in 

the backdrop of a rebel group’s struggle and the character of Samiran Barua is based on its leader.

Actress Madhusmita is seen from a shot from the film

Deka further said that he wanted to do a socio-political film instead if a typical family drama. “No one has tried to make such films. I think it would help people to realize the situation of the state in future,” he said.

The film has several known artistes like Tapan Das, Brojen Bora, Baharul Islam, Sanjiv Hazorika and others. The music was composed by Kishore Giri.

Tapan Das in a scene

Journalist and author Manoj Kumar Goswami on whose story the film is based said that he has got mixed reaction from people. “At present I’m not in a position to comment as I have not watched it. I won’t be able to tell whether the director has been able to do justice or not. But some of my friends who have watched gave me mixed reactions,” he said. (Seven Sisters Post)

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