Guwahati, Dec 27: Assam on Friday remembered legendary folk singer Pratima Barua Pandey, fondly known as the “Hastir Kanya” (Daughter of the Elephant) and the “Queen Mother of Goalpariya Folk Songs”, on her death anniversary. Pandey, who took the folk music of Goalparia to national and international audiences, passed away on December 27, 2002.
Commemorative programmes were organised across the state to honour her life and artistic legacy. As part of the observances, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) presented the annual Pratima Barua Pandey Memorial Award.
This year’s honour was conferred on Ratneshwar Moran, a noted folk artist from Kakpathar in Tinsukia district, currently residing in Bormechai Shimluguri. Moran was recognised for his sustained contribution to the preservation, promotion and popularisation of Assam’s folk traditions.
The central award ceremony was held at Shaheed Udyan in Chandmari, Guwahati, in the presence of AASU’s central leadership and several eminent cultural personalities from across the state.
In Gauripur, admirers and members of the cultural and intellectual community gathered at Pandey’s memorial to offer floral tributes and incense, paying homage to the iconic singer. At Motiyabagh, her statue was adorned, and traditional rituals were performed in her memory.
Folk artistes marked the day by rendering Pandey’s timeless songs, celebrating the enduring influence of the singer who gave Goalparia folk music a global identity.
The memorial award, organisers said, not only honours the legacy of Pratima Barua Pandey but also seeks to inspire and encourage the next generation of folk artistes committed to safeguarding Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
