Jorhat to wake up to Northeast splendour as part of NEZCC’S Silver Jubilee fest

The Best of the Northeast lined up for the North East Spring Festival

Thang-ta

The onset of springtime is undoubtedly the most preferred time to visit Northeast India. For this is the time when the people of the region, belonging to different tribes and races and with myriad ethno-cultural traditions, languages and religious beliefs, give full lease to their joy and exuberance in the form of unbridled festivities celebrating the mood of nature.

In keeping with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) of the country, the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) is organizing in Jorhat a mega Northeast-centric carnival capturing the mood and brilliance of springtime. With more than 250 artistes participating, the festival will showcase the biggest ensemble of folk dances, folk music, craftsmen, choral singers, tribal folk musicologists and others who will present the best of regional dance, music, culture, et al.

The North East Spring Festival, will be inaugurated in the presence of Honourable Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi, Cultural Minister Pranati Phukan, NEZCC Chairman and Honourable Nagaland Governor Shri Nikhil Kumar and a host of other luminaries, at the Jorhat Court Field on March 24 next.

Tarun Gogoi

Som Kamei

From the rhythmic steps of the Nunu Pipi dance of the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh to the mesmering Cheraw of Mizoram; be it the fierce display of warrior skills of the Thang-ta and Maibang dances to the graceful moves of Wangala dancers – this festival will reflect the best of the culture from each North-eastern State. A 60-member troupe from the other Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) will also be participating in the festival, which also has performances by premier experimental musicians Guru Rewben Mashangva of Manipur and Naad Brahma from Assam lined up.

The decision to host the Spring Festival in Jorhat of Upper Assam was made following the tremendous success that the NEZCC’s premier Octave festival received in other parts of the country in the past few years, and also in keeping with the mandate of the cultural Centre. NEZCC Director Som Kamei says, “Our Centre annually organizes a showcased event, “Octave” in different parts of the country to highlight the rich cultural heritage and art-forms of the region. In fact, Octave has become one of the biggest and most successful events to be organized by the Zonal Cultural Centres under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Following the tremendous success of the festival in other parts of the country, there have been demands within the region itself for such festivals wherein we introduce people in second-tier cities with the richness and diversity of our culture. With 2012 being the Silver Jubilee year of the ZCCs of the country, Jorhat, with its rich cultural heritage, was undoubtedly our first choice for the festival.”

Hem Hazarika of Naad Brahma

A major thrust area of the NEZCC has been to promote the lesser known art forms of the different States of the region, especially in the hinterland. Not surprisingly, the North East Spring Festival seeks to place lesser known art forms like Khupilile of the Pochury tribe of Nagaland and Ghantu dance of Sikkim on the same platform as much more established folk dance forms like Bihu of Assam and Dhol Pung of Manipur, informed Kamei.

The entire festival will be choreographed by internationally acclaimed Assamese folk musicologist Dr Prassana Gogoi. Entry to the event is free.

About Northeast India and Northeastern spring festivals

Northeast India is known for its geological marvels, nature’s splendor and an unparalleled spectrum of ethno-cultural multiplicity. A multitude of tribes and races with myriad ethno-cultural traditions, languages and religious beliefs live here side by side keeping alive their traditions, institutions, languages and religious practices. A fine texture of diverse hues spraypainted on a beautiful landscape makes this melting pot of human races a true ethnological wonder, perhaps the only one of its kind in the whole world.

About the Folk Art performances to be featured in North East Spring Festival

The following art performances from the Northeast will be featured in the spring festival.

1. ARUNACHAL PRADESH – Nunu Pipi
2. ASSAM – Bihu
Karbi dance
Dhol Badan
Naad Brahma
3. MANIPUR – Dhol Pung
Thang-ta
Maibung
Guru Rewben Mashangva
4. MEGHALAYA- Wangala
Pynther Orchestra
5. MIZORAM – Cheraw
6. SIKKIM – Ghantu dance
Chanting
7. TRIPURA – Mamita dance
Md Chanu Miah group
8. NAGALAND – Khupilile (Pochury)
Tati

OTHER ZONAL CULTURAL CENTRES: 60-member troupe

First-of-a-kind compilation brings smiles to strife-torn Manipur

Instilling hope in times of despair

Providing a spark of hope during the tumultuous times that the north-eastern State of Manipur is going through, a group of musicians and music lovers of the State have come out with a first-of-its-kind compilation music album. Rock Music Manipur Vol. 1, a compilation album of original music featuring 25 bands and individual artists, was released in a formal gathering of Manipur’s most well-known musicians in Imphal last week.

At a time when normal life in Manipur has been virtually ripped apart on account of one of the worst phases in the State’s tumultuous socio-political history, the production of the compilation has instilled renewed hope and enthusiasm among the minds of the musicians here. As Sanjeev Thingnam, guitarist of Imphal-based band ‘Fringes’, says, “This is indeed a path breaking moment for musicians of the State, irrespective of which genre they belong to. Despite everything that ails Manipur, the production of this compilation proves that we still have it in us to move ahead.”

The production and marketing of this compilation was an initiative taken by the Rock Music Manipur (RMM), a community of rock musicians and enthusiasts living in the state, as well as a few people who are now settled outside. This community has compiled a total of 37 tracks of different genres, creating a sort of history in the age-old tradition and culture of Manipur. The album also features a couple of tracks by two of Manipur’s most well-known bands in the national and international circuit at one point – Post Mark and Phynyx.

“Quite a number of Manipuri musicians and rock bands have written original songs, and some of them released their songs and albums via internet and as CDs or Cassettes. These are usually known in private circulation while many are unaware about the songs and the musicians who created them. The idea behind RMM Vol. 1 is to make the musicians and their songs reach a wider audience, right from the grassroots level,” says Ithooiba Potshangbam, one of the coordinators of the compiling team.

Many would not be aware that the genesis of heavy metal as a genre in our country can be traced to the emergence of a couple of bands in Manipur in the late eighties. Bands like Post Mark and Phoenix had took heavy metal to all new levels of popularity.

Vivek addressing the gathering

For a State where independent artists have not really got the opportunity to be promoted in an organized and professional manner, the release of the compilation augurs hope for a new beginning. Internationally acclaimed tribal folk musicologist Guru Rewben Mashangva, who was present in the ceremony, said, “It’s hard to compose, record and release an album. It also takes a lot of money to record an album. I thank RMM and the music lovers for making this compilation a reality.”

Featuring artists from Maram, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Imphal and Bishnupur in Manipur to Bangalore and Delhi-based Manipuri bands, this compilation album is sure to carve a common platform to share and act as a social force of consciousness and change. Most of the songs in this compilation too reflect life in general and more particularly various situations in Manipur – be it the deteriorating law and order scenario in the State or the transitory moral values.

Besides just bringing the music fraternity of Manipur together, the compilation has also brought to light several other facets of the music industry in Manipur, like the absence of good recording and mixing facilities. “We need good recording studios in Manipur. The sound system in Manipur hasn’t improved much over the last few decades; it’s the same sound system we have been seeing since our heydays in the 1990s. Sponsors and organizers are virtually a non-entity here,” said Selin Takhellambam, founder member of the pioneering extreme metal band Black Insurgent.

Eroz Laishram, the vocalist of Sandrembee, an Imphal based band, added, “Due to the almost perpetual power crisis, people out here in Imphal don’t have access to the internet like people in other parts of the country do. The production quality of our songs has also been often criticised. This kind of compilations will help us stop and introspect and revaluate ourselves.”

While no marketing strategy has been chalked out as of yet, RMM plans for an immediate distribution of the compilation to various Yaoshang sports venues in different leikais (localities) in Manipur. “While copies of the compilation cd will be sent to different clubs in all the districts of Manipur, the CDs will also be made available for sale at various musical and related events. Money raised from the sales of the record will be evenly shared among all the participating bands and artists,” Ithoiba informed.

The release ceremony for the compilation album, which was held at the Young Pioneer Organization (YPO), saw some of the biggest congregation of musicians of the State. Some of the veteran musicians who participated in the ceremony included Ingocha Thingom, Paras Nongmaithem, Boycha Konjengbam, Bobby Nameirakpam, amongst others. Members of bands like Kradle O’ Beats, Scribble Link Purgatory, Chem Weed FM, Cleave, Deeparaj Oinam, Uttam Haobam, Fringes, Dead Mobster, Wild Flower, White Fire, Yuthak Wah, Sandrembee, too were present in the ceremony.

Striking a new chord

Sunita’s raagas-meet-folk concept album on violin strikes a chord

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Vodafone Business Head Northeast B Bajpai launching Sunita's Bihu Strings

And if you thought that Bihu was all about dancing and merry-making, you better think once again. The melodious Bihugeet, which has long been overshadowed by the associated dance moves of Bihu songs, has finally been brought to the forefront in Assamese fiddler Sunita Bhuyan’s unique concept album, Bihu Strings by Times Music, which was launched in the city by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi last week.

It would not be wrong to call Bihu Strings a first-of-its-kind music presentation in the national and international circuit. For Sunita has used original Bihu melodies, with its thoughtful and socially relevant lyrics, and blended the same with the inherent raga patterns of the classical music world to create an exciting medley of sounds. What makes it even more special is the fact that the songs in the album have been performed entirely on the violin, making Sunita the first ever violinist in the country to do a complete folk and fusion album on the fiddle!

The violin which has had the image of being a western instrument adapted to Indian styles have so far been played in the classical forms i.e. the Hindustani and Karnatic forms in India. This stereotype has finally been broken with Bihu strings as Sunita plays an entirely range of tunes, ranging from classical ragas, Assamese folk tunes, Scottish tunes, jazz elements, et al. “My attempt is to demonstrate the prevalence of the universal seven notes in all kinds of music, be it classical, folk, rock, western jazz etc. The age old Bihugeet, blended with classical ragas and a bit of western folk and jazz – that is Bihu strings for you,” says Sunita, who is the daughter of Minoti Khaund, senior disciple of Pt VG Jog.

The songs in the album too have been thoughtfully penned and each number reflects an inherent facet of Assamese life during the Bohaag Bihu season. The album begins with ‘Bholuka Baahore’, which talks about the sensuous tresses of a girl which are adorned with beautiful flowers. The piece is based in raag dhani – the all pervading raag of most bihu melodies. The next track, “Luitor Baalite” talks about the fun and frolic of two youngsters on the banks of the Brahmaputra, which is a fusion of Bihugeet with Irish folk and rock percussions.

Then there is Ganga Siloni, which is based on Raag Bhupali. The song talks about the heralding of the spring season through the first chirping of the migratory birds. From the expression of teenage love as portrayed in ‘Xosakoi Bor Dhuniya’ to the more subtle ‘Ranga Nadi’, the lyrics in the album touches on an entire gamut of socially relevant issues. ‘Ranga Nadi’, in fact, dwells on the recurring problem of floods, which brings normal life to complete disarray every year in the State but which cannot dampen the spirit of Bihu among the people.

While the lyrics have been written by Gupta Borthakur, a number of talented musicians have collaborated with Sunita in his album. While Rupam Bhuyan and Prasanta Kaur have joined sunita with the vocals, the percussion instruments have been handled by Pranjal Barua, Dibya Jyoti Changmai (tabla) and Diganta Saikia and Lachit Gogoi on the “Dhol”. Noted guitarist Shantanu Baruah has added the western flavor in Luitore Baalite, while the keyboard and sound mixing is by Rupam Talukdar.

The album has been released on the Times Music label and the songs will also be available for download to mobiles and other handheld devices after the album’s digital release in Mumbai next week.

Late Verrier Elwin’s unpublished works released in Shillong

Attempts being made to set up musuem for late Elwin’s works in Guwahati

Lila Elwin releasing the collection. Also seen Som Kamei (L), ashok Elwin (2L) and former minister RG Lyngdoh

SHILLONG, Feb 22: A little known aspect of the life of pioneering anthropologist late Sir Verrier Elwin, one of the founding father’s of the Indian Government’s policy towards tribals, was brought to the fore when a collection of his poetry was released in Shillong on February 22 last. The collection, 28 poems, was released in Bookmark, a small bookstore in Nongrim Hills, by his wife Lila Elwin, son Ashok Elwin and NEZCC director Som Kamei in the presence of a host of litterateurs. The publication of the book was facilitated by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC).

Born on August 29, 1902 in Dover, Kent, late Sir Verrier Elwin came to India as a missionary. A visit to Sabarmati Ashram and a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi changed his life and he became a staunch supporter of the Indian national movement. Although not trained as an anthropologist, his studies about the tribals and his writings on their customs, myths, folklore, poetry were pathbreaking for both anthropology and for understanding the rich cultural diversity of our nation. He spent a considerable amount of time with the tribals of Northeast India and finally settled down in Shillong.

from left: Robin Ngangom, Ananya Guha, Desmond Kharmawphland and Ashok Elwin

the gathering

Releasing the book, Som Kamei said that the royalty collected from the sale of the book would be given to the Elwin family. He also presented a cheque of Rs 25,000 to his son Ashok Elwin and Lila Elwin, wife of late Sir Elwin.

Kamei further said that his department was trying to set up a musuem displaying certain memoribilia and souvenirs from the late anthropologist’s personal collection in Shilpgram in Guwahati. “Sir Elwin protected the rights and cultures of the tribals of Northeast India to a huge extent. The manner in which we perceive the Northeast and the way we live today has been determined by his efforts to a huge extent. We hope our plans to set up a musuem in his memory become a reality.”

Ashok Elwin, son of late Sir Verrier Elwin, said that he was thankful to NEZCC for facilitating the publication of the book. “My father’s writing about the tribes of Central and North-eastern India definitely had an impact on the policies of the Indian Government towards the welfare of tribes of Northeast India. The collection ‘28 poems’ was first published in 1956 for private circulation only and it was only because of a chance meeting with Som Kamei that resulted in its formal release today,” he said.

A number of noted poets and critics dwelt on the significance of the poetry collection. Noted folklorist and poet Prof Desmond Kharmawphlang said that late Elwin had a deep understanding of the relationship between folk and the narrative which was evident in his poems. “The manner in which he used the power of narrative to depict simple issues having such deeper significance is simply amazing,” said Kharmawphlang, the head of the department of folklore and creative studies of North East Hills University (NEHU).

Dwelling on the collection, noted poet and critic Dr Ananya Guha said that love was one of the most significant elements in late Sir Elwin’s poetry. “Love in all its many different forms is one of the many recurrent themes in his poems,” said Dr. Guha. Another acclaimed poem Prof Robin Ngangom also read some of the poems from the collection.

Books on Bhupenda, Mamoni Roisom released in World Book Fair

Delhi came out to remember two of the State’s greates cultural icons recently. Two new books on the life and times of Bhupen Hazarika and Indira Goswami (popularly known as Mamoni Raisom Goswami, whose demise last year resulted in intense outpouring of grief not only in Assam but across the subcontinent, were released in the New Delhi World Book Fair. The event witnessed tremendous participation by book lovers and members of the Assamese community residing in Delhi.

Bhupen Da: The Bard of Brahmaputra has been written by late Hazarika’s close associate Kamal Kataky and Devajit Bhuyan. On the other hand, Indira Goswami: Pain and Passion has been edited by Uddipana Goswami. The books have been published by Spectrum Publications.

late Bhupen Hazarika

Talking about the release of the books, a source said, “After the demise of the two legends, many writers, scholars and journalists had came up with critical appraisals of their works. However, very little work was done in English, and probably that made Spectrum Publications to come up with the idea of two new books by people who personally knew Hazarika and Goswami and who are well-known faces in the literary and cultural sphere of Assam.”

Bhupen Da: The Bard of Brahmaputra has been launched as a hardcover edition for now with a paperback edition coming soon. The project was successfully completed within just a month. The book was launched by Shanta Sharabjit Singh, Vice Chairman of Sangeet Natak Academy. It should be noted that Bhupen da was a past chairman of this institution. Singh recollected the memories of her association with Hazarika and said that the mass gathering of people at his funeral was testimony of the sheer genius he was.

The book’s joint author Kamal Kataky, who was a close associate of the bard, said that it was practically impossible to confine the legend within the pages of a single book. “I was moved to a large extent while preparing the book,” he said.

On the other hand, Indira Goswami: Pain and Passion, is an anthology having contributions from literary giants like UR Anantha Murthy and Amitav Ghosh. The book was released by Dr Mukunda Kam Sharma, President of Assam Association. Uddipana Goswami, the editor of the compilation, is a noted litterateur and presently the literary editor of Seven Sisters’ Post. Provided a brief sketch of the life and achievements of Mamoni Raisom Goswami in his speech, Dr Sharma said that she was highly popular among the Assamese community in Delhi.
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Indira Goswami: Passion and the Pain is a biography of a different kind. It is a collection of articles by various scholars, writers and activists who have known the writer from close quarters or studied her works avidly. The book brings out the various facets of her life and shows veryclearly her humanitarianism, strength of conviction, empathy and angst.

Many critics have observed that Indira Goswami’s literary creations draw heavily from her own life and experiences. The articles in this book also cast light on the autobiographical aspects of her works while at the same time, reading the author’s own life as a text.

It was her passion for life that saw her through long phases of depression till she reached the pinnacle of glory, bagging award after award. In her life, Indira Goswami came in contact with many known and unknown people from different walks of life – literature, academia and activism. In her death, they show their affection and pay their tributes to the woman who showered her characteristic warmth and brilliant smile on everyone.

Report based on a press release mailed to me

Marina Lumina meets Northeastern folk music

Acclaimed award winning Austrian composer, musician and percussionist Lukas Ligeti was in Nagaland from the 14th to the 18th February 2012, as part of his India tour. The north east leg of his tour was a collaboration between the Austrian Cultural Forum, the Dept of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland and Hope Centre for Excellence, Dimapur, Nagaland.

Lukas conducted workshops with music students, teachers and music lovers at Hope Centre in Dimapur and demonstrated the ‘Marimba lumina’. The Marimba lumina, is an electronic percussion instrument designed by the legendary engineer Don Buchla. This instrument combines African and Western marimba playing styles and also examines how electronics can change percussion technique and how a mixer can be played as a musical instrument. During the workshop/demonstration, Lukas interacted with local musicians who observed up close the various intricacies of this unique instrument.

Lukas Ligeti

After the series of workshops which was very well received, Lukas ended his tour with a concert on the 18th evening. Accompanied by South African Flautist Ilke Alexander, Lukas showed his versatility by performing with young artistes like 12-year old violinist Sophia Mozhui, classical guitarist Jeevan Ingti and folk artist Hojevi Cappo. Young, upcoming 14-year old pianist Rugoser Liegise and accomplished neo–classical male voice Zowe Madrigal also performed at the concert.

Before the performance the Austrian Composer and percussionist said that he played “no particular genre but just my own music”. He said that traditional music around the world inspires him. His improvised fusion of music with local Naga folk artiste Hojevi Cappo on the traditional flute was in typical Ligeti fashion. Treating music lovers and aficionados alike to the intricacy and poetry only an exotic music device like the synthesizer, the Marimba Lumina can produce, the composer displayed its full range to a packed house at Niathu’s Resort.

Lukas Ligeti, for the uninitiated, has been living and successfully making/teaching music in New York City. He has been composing for leading orchestras and contemporary music ensembles in North America and Europe, including the prestigious Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna Concert Hall), the Vienna Festival, the Radio symphony Orchestra Vienna, Wien Modern Festival. Last year, he wrote a concert for the instrument “Marimba Lumina” and orchestra, which premiered at Carnegie Hall New York with the American Composers Orchestra and conductor Dennis Russel Davies.

His music is a mixture of composed and improvised to elements. While his music does not represent a clear cultural heritage, it has a multitude of influences and places coming together in coherent unity. His music ranges from the thorough composed to the free improvised. He composes for contemporary music groups, orchestras and soloists, writes for and performs for jazz musicians and collaborates with traditional musicians especially in Africa. He has worked on a combination of West African traditional music and electronics.

Photographs by Betoka Swu & Pinoka Swu

Mumbai wakes up to Assamese splendour

The cultural night organized by Asom Vaisnav Samaj, Mumbai in association with Youth Club Mangaldoi, Assam at Fine Arts Society, Chembut Mumbai on 11th Feb 2012 was a grand success.

The cultural night was attended by over 500 Assamese and Non-Assamese people from and around Mumbai.

The audience was mesmerized by various high quality performaces performed by the reknowned Youth Club Mangaldoi. The program consisted of classical dances from Assam like Sattriya Nritya, Ghukha, Jhumura Nritya, Matir Aakhara, Deodhani Nritya, other Assamesse creative dances including Bihu.

The occasion was graced by many dignitaries like Mr. Debashish Sarma – Deputy Resident Commissioner Mumbai, Mr. Shyam Kanu Mohanta – Deputy Commissioner Custom, etc.

The program was started with a Banti Prajalan. In his welcome address, Mr. Shyama Prasad Handique, President Assam Vaishnav Samaj Mumbai, emphasized the need of a Sankardeb Madhavdeb Kala Kendra with a Naamghar in Mumbai. He also explained that such Kala Kendra would help in promoting the teaching of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeb and Assamese culture in Maharashtra. In addition it would act as a cohesive force of uniting all the Assamese populace in Maharashtra.

Mr. U. C. Deori, Secretary Asom Vaishav Samaj requested the Government and non-government organization to extend all possible help in building this proposed Kala Kendra in Mumbai.
(Compiled by ms jutika mahanta)

Unish Kuri Glamour Hunt retains top slot

The sixth edition of the Streax Unish Kuri Glam Hunt 2012 powered by Vicco SF this year has yet again set the most promising and sought after platform for ten aspiring enthusiastic and energetic models.

After an exciting and nail biting preliminary round, the next rounds which tested the 10 finalists are the sub contests which included the much anticipated swimwear round. This round was held at Princeton Club’s pool side where the models competed against each other for the title of ‘Mr. and Ms. Glam Bod’. In this round, the participants were judged on how good they looked in swimwear and the comfort and ease with which they could carry of the garment. The judges for the swimwear round of Streax Unish Kuri Glam Hunt 2012 powered by Vicco SF included: Joy Mukherjee; lead actor of the Bengali movie ‘Target’, Arpita Mukherjee; actress from popular teleserials – ‘Sindoor Khela’ & Sabinoy Nibedon and Paromita Banerjee; an acclaimed and renowned Fashion Designer, who has participated in several Lakme Fashion Weeks. The swimwear has been designed by Saadhika Jhunjhunwalla for ‘Marg’.

Guwahati based Death/Thrash act releases single

Agnostic

Death Metal powerhouse Agnostic will bring their signature tunes to the Undergrind Fest(Bangalore) on the 14th of April with the album (Morbid Embracement) release. The band’s rabid and intense performances have been igniting stages around the circuit.

Given that their frontman and drummer- MitulBoro, has been a percussionist for many years, it is no surprise that this band has come to be known as one of the most experienced bands in the Northeastern Circuit. Agnostic has so far, performed and competed in a considerable number of festivals, pub gigs and competitions throughout the Northeast- Indian Metal Circuit.

Morbid Embracement isn’t about metal- overproduction or intricate songwriting/ instrumentation. The band has very intentionally arranged everything in a straightforward technique. Producer Siddharth Barooa has also made sure everything sounds raw as possible. There’s a solid theme backing the entire mix. This isn’t stuff that you’ve never heard before- but we’re sure you’ll like it for what it is.” Says Bassist Nitu Saikia.

Bakul Bon Award for Maniram Sonowal

maniram sonowal receiving the bokul bon award

The Bakul Bon Award 2012, which honours those personalities who have dedicated their lives towards the preservation and promulgation of folk art, culture and traditions of Assam, has been conferred on noted folk artist Maniram Sonowal. A Sonowal Kachari folk artist and researcher of the traditional songs and dances of the Bodo Kacharis, Maniram Sonowal was selected for his immense contribution towards popularising Kachari traditional culture among the young generation over the last three decades.

The award, instituted by the Bakul Bon Trust, Assam, carries Rs 10,000 in cash and a citation. The Bakul Bon Award is conferred every year in memory of ‘Bakul Bonor Kabi’ Ananda Chandra Barua and his better-half Pramila Barua.

Sonowal was born in 1945 at Nakhat Gaon under Lengeri mouza. In 1962, he joined the then Assam BSF and took part in three wars. He was awarded with four medals for his courage shown in the battlefields. In 1984, he took voluntary retirement from his job due to family problems.

Since then Sonowal has been working incessantly for preserving and promulgating the traditional folk cultures of Kachari people. He has authored a book on the folk songs of various communities and tribes of Assam. He has also produced a VCD on the Bahua dance of the Sonowal Kachari community in 2010. He has also travelled across the entire North-east region to collect the old songs of various tribes.