by Mayukh Goswami 

Mangaldai : Music legends and pride of the North East Jitu-Tapan ( Jitu Sarma and Tapan Bhattacharjee ) have observed from their long forty five years experience with the ‘Bollywood’ based music industry in Mumbai that young artistes who want to foresee career in music must seriously learn classical music . “ We have learnt both classical and western music .

Even Mohammad Rafi when he was at his peak of success regularly used to practice classical music which we could see with our own eyes.” The veteran pair of lyricist , composer and music director were interacting with the media following a cultural programme organized by ‘ Bare Rahania Sanskritik Mancha , Asom “ at the district library auditorium here on September 11 last where they were conferred the “Sangeet Jyoti “ title in honour to their outstanding contribution towards the musical field of our country in general and Assam in particular .

The honour for the artistes each carried a citation , a cheleng , a memento etc. was ceremonially handed over to Jitu-Tapan jointly by veteran lyricist and litterateur Idris Ali , chairman Assam Fishery Development Corporation , Gurujyoti Das and prominent industrialist Mukul Ch Deka supported by organisers Dr Mrinmoy Kr Nath , Manab Pratim Das and others . The moment organizers announced about the honour and anchor Pranjal Kr Sarma welcomed the musical giants to the stage, rendering the song “ Asomeere Sotalate Roodalire Senehote.“ one of their best compositions , the packed auditorium had wore a standing ovation and big round of applause .

After receiving the honour as their immediate reaction Jitu-Tapan termed the honour of ‘Sangeet Jyoti “ as very special . “ We have received many awards and honour , but this is very special . We are overwhelmed seeing the love and care given by the people of Mangaldai . We will never forget this .” , they said . They reciprocated their gratitude in musical style from their famous composition “ Ei Khoni Gaon Bukur Apon ..Eayate Dekhon Natun Xapon..” singing it as “ Ei Khoni Mangaldai Amar Bukur Apon…”. Dipiak Sarma , spouse of Jitu Sarma was also greeted on the occasion. The daylong function named “ Xurar Edin “ also marked with a state level singing contest of Assamese songs with a special round for songs of Jitu Tapan. Meanwhile demand has been raised from the music lovers of Mangadai and several public organizations including ‘ Mangaldai Media Circle ‘ , ‘ Journalists Association of Assam , Darrang-Udalguri’, ‘Bare Rahania Sanskritik Mancha, Asom’ and others to confer Padmashri award on these pair of music legends for the year 2023.