Assam govt to convert legendary folk artiste’s residence to museum

CULTURAL DESK: The Assam government has decided to convert the ancestral residence of legendary Goalparia folk singer, late Pratima Pandey Baruah, into a museum.

Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday visited Gauripur town in Dhubri district to attend the ceremonial handing over of the authority of the singer’s residence, “Hawa Mahal”, by her family members to the state government for its restoration and conversion into a museum.

Located on the bank of river Gadadhar, ‘Hawa Mahal’ was built by Prabhat Chandra Baruah of the Gauripur royal family. Its construction was completed in 1914, costing a total of Rs 3.2 lakh at that point of time.

The Assam government paid an amount of Rs 15.20 crore to the family members of Pratima Pandey Baruah for parting with the ownership of their ancestral property.

Addressing a public meeting correlating with the event, the chief minister said converting Hawa Mahal into a heritage monument and a museum would be an appropriate tribute to the “empress of Goalparia lok sangeet” for her extraordinary work in the field of art and music.

Stressing that the lack of scientific approach in preserving Hawa Mahal and items associated with it were leading to its gradual decay and destruction, the chief minister exuded confidence that the formal handing over of ownership would ensure that the structure, which has great historical significance, would now receive due care and attention.

He expressed his gratitude towards the family members of the legendary folk artiste for their generosity.

Referring to Hawa Mahal as the place from where Goalparia folk music spread far and wide across the country, the chief minister said the state government would ensure that the sentiments of the people of Gauripur would be taken care of, while developing the premises.

He said the aim was to complete the renovation and restoration by December 2023 and open Hawa Mahal from January 1, 2024.

Stating that a community cannot thrive for long, if it severs ties with its history and the past, the chief minister further appealed to the residents of Dhubri district to rise above religious and ethnic compartments and unite under one umbrella for preservation of the area’s rich and varied indigenous beliefs and culture.

(The Shillong Times)