Assam’s cultural heritage has been boosted momentously by Sattriya dance maestro Jatin Goswami being named a Padma Bhushan awardee. This has especially been due to Goswami, already a Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi award winner, for his unparalleled contribution to preserving and promoting Sattriya, a traditional dance form that is integral to Assam’s Vaishnavite culture, and in elevating the dance form to the national and international levels throughout his career.
Also an excellent performer in folk dances and the Vaishnavite one-act play Ankia Naat, which was developed by saint Srimanta Sankardeva, the 92-year-old icon Goswami has inspired generations with his dedication to Assam’s artistic traditions.
Joynacharan Bathari has been recognized with the Padma Shri this year for his contributions to Dimasa folk traditions. Bathari, a guardian of the community’s rich oral heritage, has introduced its music and dances to broader audiences. In addition, his books, The Monkey and the Tortoise and Tale of an Elderly Dimasa Couple, have immortalized Dimasa folklore.
The Padma Shri has also acknowledged the artistry of Reba Kanta Mahanta, a 89 year old master in traditional mask making from Sivasagar district, who was earlier awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award.
Academic Anil Kumar Boro and writer-translator Gita Upadhyay have been recognized with the Padma Shri for their work in literature and education.
The awardees have left the state and the nation inspired, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said to express his gratitude to them.
