Govt of India recognises Bikramjit Baulia as ‘Aatmanirbhar Champion’ in its portal MyGovIndia

July 10: He has been recognised as a “Covid Warrior” by Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. Now, the Government of India in its portal MyGovIndia conferred him the title of ‘Aatmanirbhar Champion’. Yes, it’s indeed a great achievement for Silchar based folk singer, Bikramjit Baulia for his humanitarian contribution during the Covid pandemic. 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.

Taking to its twitter handle, MyGovIndia, a citizen engagement platform of Government of India, giving people the opportunity to work towards Surajya with their ideas & grass root level contribution wrote on 9 July, “Read to know how this Assam Folk singer is uplifting the spirits and bringing peace through his music during such difficult times of the #COVID19 pandemic.”

Read to know how this Assam Folk singer is uplifting the spirits and bringing peace through his music during such difficult times of the #COVID19 pandemic.

Do you know any such story? Share with us now at https://t.co/4kB9lolXP7 or call 1800-11-7800 today! #MannKiBaat @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/1x8or7JN1D

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) July 9, 2021

Elaborating the role of Bikramjit, Government of India put up his picture in its portal and mentioned him as ‘Aatmanirbhar Champion.’ The Govt handle tweeted, “An Assam Folk Singer Lifting the Spirits of COVID Patients With His Music. Bikramjit offers songs on call for COVID patients and their kins; they can request to hear the song of their choice. Baulia is bringing peace to people’s hearts amidst these difficult times; he believes mental health is as important as medicines in the fight against COVID. He has sung a variety of songs to over 250 people from Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Pune & other parts of India so far.”

Indeed, Bikramjit’s 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.

Earlier, in a letter written by Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on 25 May stated, “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.”

So what does Bikramjit Baulia want to say about India Government recognising his efforts in their national portal? With a smile of childlike simplicity, Bikramjit replies, “I still can’t believe that the news of my humble attempt also reached the Government of India led by our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am thankful to our government. I promise to stand besides the society and try to help those who are in need in my own little way.”

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 2021. He has been inspired by renowned Bengali singer Lopamudra Mitra.

Recently, Bikramjit Baulia has been involved in fund raising for a young girl who needs kidney replacement. A 27-year old graduate from Silchar, Sucharita Bhattacharjee is on dialysis as both her kidneys were damaged. However, due to financial crisis, she is not being able to go for kidney transplant. The 27-year-old Sucharita in an earnest appeal said, “I want to live, I have a lot of dreams. I don’t want to die. I would really be indebted if people come forward and contribute as they can so that I can get my kidney transplant done and thereby taste life once again.” Bikramjit Baulia came forward to help her with a Facebook Live session on 7 July for fund raising to support Sucharita Bhattacharjee. Due to his appeal through songs, many have come forward with generous contributions to support Sucharita.

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. Music is really a healing touch for many in myriad ways….