Jookto celebrates Republic Day, upholds culture of Barak in New Delhi

January 28: The 70th Republic Day celebration in the context of Barak Valley in Assam got a new dimension with Jookto Foundation showcasing the life and culture of the Valley in the National Capital Territory. The dazzling programme entitled ‘Colours of Barak: Barak in The Republic’ was held at the prestigious C. D. Deshmukh Auditorium in India International Centre, New Delhi.

Senior officials, diplomats and cultural stalwarts from Delhi besides people from north eastern region living in Delhi graced the occasion. Jookto felicitated three individuals who usually takes keen interest in the development of North Eastern region: Ms Boon Yian Ng, Deputy High Commissioner of Singapore to India, Tanmoy Chakraborty Vice President Tata Sons and Mr. Jay Mondal, internationally acclaimed photographer based in New York. In their speech, all of them lauded the efforts of Jookto in promoting art and culture.

Artists from Barak Valley region in Assam as well as others of Barak but presntly settled in Delhi performed popular folk songs, traditional dances of Barak and Brahmaputra Valley. These performances were all on the spirit of fellow feelings of brotherhood and respect for every community living there in the region and the state. The stage assumed a character of mini Assam representing a conglomeration of the rich cultural heritage of the various communities within the state.

Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee, foreign policy expert and Director Jookto danced to the popular Bhupen Hazarika number ‘Bistirno dupare’ in its Sanskrit version and started the cultural performance. After her, Amrita Dutta enthralled the audience with her classical vocal songs and then Nabanita Saha and her troupe danced to some tea tribe songs and Bihu numbers.

Finally Gargi Deb the young sensation from Silchar sang to popular patriotic numbers and enthralled the audience. There was also a poetry recitation by Bishaka Sarma.

Speaking to way2barak, Subimal Bhattacharjee, Director of Jookto said, “The event was organized to celebrate the spirit of the Republic Day and show to the national audience how Barak Valley exists as an abode of peace and cultural fusion. The event was yet another effort to bring to focus the cultural talents of the Barak region before the national and international audience.” He assured that he would strive for regular opportunities for the artists of Barak valley to showcase their skills.

It needs mention here that Jookto, a socio- cultural organisation is an initiative to connect people and minds across similar ideas and cultures over multiple platforms. From artists to writers to thinkers, the philosophy is to connect and explore. It has been actively organizing various events across the country promoting the theme that includes celebrating a plethora of events.