CM Assam praises Bikramjit for spreading goodwill, confers him title of ‘Covid Warrior’

June 10: Bikramjit Baulia (Kar) has been winning hearts during the 2nd wave of coronavirus by singing songs over the phone for the COVID-19 patients in order to boost their mental health. His initiative has received appreciations from the length and breadth of the country. All the major local, regional and national dailies has carried news item of his exemplary feat. Even he was interviewed by FM radio broadcasters. Several called his initiative a ‘publicity stunt’ in the initial phase when he gave a Facebook post about his initiative. But such a wide publicity silenced all his critics.

On 10 June, when Bikramjit was sitting in his small pharmacy at Silchar, he received one of the greatest surprise of his life time, which every person would aspire to get. A postman delivered a letter to this young inspiring singer. On opening the envelope, Bikramjit just could not believe his eyes. It was a letter of appreciation written by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam for his role in lifting spirits of Covid afflicted patients. His joy and satisfaction increased manifold when he saw that the Chief Minister of his state has conferred upon him the rare distinction of the title “COVID Warrior.”

The letter signed on 25 May by the Chief Minister read, “Dear Bikramjit, I wish to thank you for spreading goodwill through your sweet voice. Your rendition of voice and singing songs for the COVID afflicted patients has really proved to be a boon for our fight against COVID. You are no less a COVID warrior.”

Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma lauding his efforts during the coronavirus pandemic further stated, “It is understandable that a person afflicted with COVID, has to isolate himself or herself as a part of treatment protocols. This isolation from the near and dear ones leads to momentary distress. However, rendition of your voice and singing songs for the COVID patients over phone is no less than musical therapy for the COVID patients.”

The Chief Minister categorically stated that the songs of Bikramjit are enabling the Covid patients to overcome their mental stress and get cured soon. He wrote, “Your songs are helping the patients to overcome the agony and distress that COVID might inflict on them. This initiative is indeed very much critical in empowering our fight against COVID 19. I am positive that our society will continue to benefit from your humane approach. I once again thank you for your great role.”

So what does Bikramjit Baulia want to say to the Chief Minister? With a smile of childlike simplicity, Bikramjit replies, “I still can’t believe that the news of my humble attempt also reached our most beloved and dynamic Chief Minister. The way in which he fought against Covid-19 last year and saved Assam is indeed praiseworthy. He is a real Covid warrior… And to receive the title of Covid Warrior from Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma is indeed a badge of honour, which every person would aspire for. Thank You Sir. I assure to serve the society in my own little way in the future also.”

Bikramjit sung a variety of songs to about 250 people recovering from COVID-19 infection. He also had to deviate from an array of Bengali folk songs to sing a few Hindi songs for some infected youth in Assam and people from Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Pune, and elsewhere in India. He had come across people who lost the battle in the mind. So, he decided to “offer musical therapy to keep the infected people, symptomatic or asymptomatic, in high spirits.” He has started this song-on-call service in 2020. He has been inspired by renowned Bengali singer Lopamudra Mitra. Bikramjit loves to lift the spirit of the coronavirus-affected patients those who are in isolation.

Six months back, he has also opened a small pharmacy and delivers medicines to the home of coronavirus-affected people. He also runs an NGO named ‘Aabeg’  and last year, it had provided free food for almost 3,000 people. “As the Chief Minister said that my initiative was indeed critical in empowering the fight against COVID-19, so I would love to continue to stand besides the people during their need,” said Bikramjit with a joy of satisfaction for doing something noble. Music is really a healing touch for many in myriad ways….