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[assamnews]

Kankana Chakrabarty won the Best Actress Award at the NEFVTA Film Festival

Guwahati - In the NEFVTA Film Festival held in Guwahati, Kankana Chakrabarty emerged as the distinguished recipient of the Best Actress award. The Los Angeles-based Indian actor earned this coveted accolade for her spellbinding performances in the films 'The Rose Garden' and 'Malti.' Simultaneously, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty claimed the Best Actor title for his notable role in the film 'Cabbage.' The duo, having previously shared the screen in 'Written By' and 'Anurup,' both directed by Kankana Chakravarty, marked a standout presence at the awards ceremony.

Expressing profound gratitude, Kankana Chakrabarty stated, "I am genuinely overwhelmed and honoured by this award. My heartfelt thanks go out to my audiences and directors Nidheya Suresh and Mrunal Mestri for entrusting me with their characters."

Mrunal Mestri, Best Director, Malti

Among the array of additional winners were Akankhya Bhagawati (Best Film), Bhaskar Hazarika (Best Film), Mrunal Mestri (Best Director), Anirudh Baruah (Best Cinematography), Gourav Roy (Best Editing), Sapatrshi Das, Abhijit Gogoi, and Buildingstone Sangriang (Best Sound Engineer). Abhinav Meher clinched the Best Music award, while Rathindran was honoured with the coveted Jury Award.

#filmcritique #utpal_datta #utpal datta #Kangana chakravarty #Malti

[assamnews]

The Chronicles of Dr. Kalpana Bora's Life and Nation: My India, My Story

Book Review | Utpal Datta

In the literary world, autobiographies are often admired for their depth and intimacy. Dr. Kalpana Bora's "My India My Story" is a unique contribution to this genre. In her book, she provides readers with a dual narrative, seamlessly blending the story of her life with her observations and reflections about India's diverse culture. A woman who travelled from north-west India to the eastern state of Assam, Dr. Bora's experiences are an example of her adaptability, her love for India, and her commitment to understanding Assamese culture.

Throughout the book, two major themes run in parallel. A chronological account of Dr. Kalpana Bora's life is presented in the first narrative thread. It begins in Delhi, where her educational journey began, and culminates at Guwahati University, where she is currently employed. In between, her life is punctuated by travels across the globe as a researcher. She uses these experiences to paint her personal reflections and realizations regarding the educational system and life in general.

In the second narrative thread, she discusses India, a country that holds a special place in her heart. Her love for her country is palpable, and this affection is the foundation of her writings. The author discusses major historical and social events, analyzing the role of government in a democratic society. Her writings attempt to evaluate the immense strength of the vast and diverse nation that is India.

Dr. Bora's transition from north-west India to Assam due to marriage is a pivotal element of her narrative. A cultural leap of this magnitude would be challenging for anyone, but Dr. Bora embraced the opportunity to learn about a new culture. Assimilation of Assamese philosophy into her life is an inspiring story of adaptability and open-mindedness. In addition to adapting to the new culture, she sought to incorporate the best aspects of it into her own life in order to enrich it.

The simplicity and lucidity of Dr. Bora's language are one of the most striking features of "My India My Story.". Bora's writing is intimate and personal, conveying a sense of intimacy and personal connection. Her prose is accessible, allowing readers to easily relate to her experiences and insights. As a result of this simplicity, her storytelling has a magnetic quality, which draws readers into her world as they turn each page.

The book by Dr. Bora is not only a personal memoir, but also a testament to her love and commitment for her country. The essence of her philosophy is rooted in her Indian identity, and this is evident throughout her writings. It is her embrace of the spirit of being a 'good Indian' that forms the foundation for her transformation into a 'good Assamese.' She embraces Assamese culture in a genuine attempt to immerse herself in its essence.

Throughout "My India My Story," Dr. Kalpana Bora shares her journey, her experiences, and her insights. Her personal life, beliefs, ideologies, and approach to life are all laid bare for the reader, creating a profound connection. Throughout her story, she illustrates how India's strength lies in its diversity, and how the assimilating and celebrating of this diversity can lead to personal and national growth.

Through her personal experiences, Dr. Bora offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the academic world. Her journey from a student at Delhi University to an educator at Guwahati University is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Sharing her realizations regarding the education system, she sheds light on its strengths and areas for improvement. There is value in this perspective not only for educators and students, but for anyone interested in the future of India's knowledge economy.

Her reflections on Indian society, its historical and social contexts, and the role of government in a democracy are also enlightening. The ability of Dr. Bora to view these issues through the perspective of an "Indian at heart" offers a unique perspective. As she evaluates India's strength and potential, she expresses her optimism and hope for the nation's future.

"My India My Story" is more than just a book; it is a heartfelt journey. It is clear from Dr Kalpana Bora's narrative that she is passionate about her country and has an unwavering commitment to understanding and assimilating the diverse cultures that makeup India. Her personal and philosophical journey is an inspiration and a reminder that our strength as a nation lies in our unity in the midst of diversity. The book is a love letter to her country and humanity, reminding us that love, adaptability, and an open heart can transcend boundaries and build bridges.

#DrKalpanaBoraChronicles #MyIndiaMyStory #LifeAndNation #BookReviewUtpalDatta #IndianAuthor #Storytelling #InspiringReads #BoraChronicles #IndianPerspective #LiteraryJourney #utpal_datta

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Dr Birendra Nath Datta Passes Away

Photo Utpal Datta, from Rainsoft Celander

Dr. Birendra Nath Datta, a venerable luminary in the realms of education and folklore, has passed away, leaving a profound void in the hearts of many. At the age of 90, the distinguished scholar and musician took his last breath on a somber Monday morning. Dr. Datta succumbed to his long-standing ailments at 7 a.m. within the confines of Dispur Polyclinic Hospital, where he had been under medical care since October 19. This untimely departure has cast a pall of sorrow over the educational and cultural communities of Assam.

Renowned for his exceptional talents as a singer and composer, Dr. Birendra Nath Datta was a stalwart in the world of modern songs and Borgeet. His musical prowess extended to lending his voice to several Assamese films, and he also provided invaluable assistance to Music Director Salil Chaudhury during the making of the Assamese film, "Aporajeya."

Following his demise, Dr. Datta's mortal remains were brought to his residence in Silpukhuri, drawing family, friends, and well-wishers who converged to pay their respects. The final rites were solemnized at the Navagraha cemetery. Dr. Birendra Nath Datta is survived by his son, Dr. Uddalak Datta, a business owner in Delhi, and two daughters, Dr. Sudeshna Choudhury and Dr. Upasana Datta.

Born in 1933, Dr. Birendra Nath Datta achieved his Ph.D. from Gauhati University in 1974. His doctoral thesis, titled 'A Study of the Folk Culture of the Goalpara District of Assam,' exemplified his unwavering commitment to preserving and propagating the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Dr. Datta's distinguished career was adorned with prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri Award in 2009, the Mahapurush Shri Shri Madhavadeva Award in 2006, the Ajan Pir Award in 2008, the Leo Advertising Silpi Sanman in 2010, the Manik Chandra Chowdhury Memorial Award in 2011, and the Tagore Ratna Award of Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2011.

Tweet by Utpal Datta

Beyond his academic triumphs, Dr. Datta also held the esteemed position of President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, a prominent literary institution in Assam, from 2003 to 2005. His influence extended to the realms of design and publishing, where a calendar featuring his photographs, released by the prominent publishing-design house RAINSOFT in 2010, created ripples in the cultural sphere of Assam. Dr. Birendra Nath Datta's legacy as a scholar, musician, and cultural icon will continue to resonate through the annals of Assamese history.

#AssamCultureIcon #FolkloreHeritage #MusicMaestro #AssameseScholar #PadmaShriAwardee #CulturalPreservation #MusicalLegacy #LiteraryLeadership #RAINSOFTCalendar #SangeetNatakAkademiHonoree #BirendraNathDattaLegacy #Utpal_Datta

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A Haven for Handloom Fashion and Personalized Style Consultancy

Fashion Designer Mayuri Barooah

‘In recent times, there has been a remarkable surge in the demand for handloom fabrics, particularly cotton weaves’- Dwijendra Nath Sharma, the manager of ‘GrassLoom,’ a retail outlet of the Rural Gramin Bikash Nidhi remarks. Located in the Rajgarh Road, Guwahati, Assam, GrassLoom stands out amongst handloom shops, catching the attention of fashion-conscious individuals seeking authentic and emotional connections with their clothing choices.

 Sharma explained, “Consumers today prioritize the quality of their garments, especially when it comes to cotton mekhela-chadars. It’s not just a matter of necessity; it carries an emotional significance. To ensure the highest quality, we take utmost care in selecting the right yarn, avoiding any contamination, and ensuring vibrant colours. Thanks to our team of over five hundred skilled artisans, we can fulfil such demanding orders with ease.”

Beyond their specialization in mekhela-chadars, GrassLoom boasts an impressive range of handloom products, including saris, stoles, shawls, mufflers, and more. Additionally, they offer versatile fabrics that can be tailored to individual preferences. From curtains of various designs to cushion covers, table runners, and stylish women’s bags, GrassLoom has something to suit every taste.

Understanding the uniqueness of women’s clothing preferences, GrassLoom has taken a remarkable step by launching a fashion consultancy service. This consultancy service, the brainchild of Sharma and Mayuri Barooah (see the photo with the text), a trained fashion designer holding a Diploma in Fashion Designing from the Institute of Baroda, aims to cater to women’s desire for exclusive and personalized fashion choices. Mayuri Barooah emphasized the significance of considering body shape, colour, personality, and occupation while selecting the right clothes for women. She mentioned, “Our fashion consultancy service provides women with the opportunity to explore designs that truly complement their individuality. We produce custom fabrics to bring their vision to life, crafted by our skilled artisans. Additionally, we have the expertise to address the common issue of finding the right blouse, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing a woman’s appearance.” Mayuri adds that Mr Amiya Sarmah, Director of RGVN and Dhriti Gogoi, CEO of GrassLoom, both of them had envisioned and supported this unique idea of Fashion Consultancy.

While the consultancy initially focuses on women, it also extends its services to men, helping them choose the perfect outfits and offering suggestions for home interiors such as curtains, sofas, fabrics, and cushions, based on the colour and shape of the house.

While women’s fashion remains the centre piece at GrassLoom, the store is gradually expanding its men’s clothing collection. Currently featuring popular cotton shirts for the hot weather, GrassLoom has plans to introduce a diverse range of new designs and colours, including readymade shirts and jackets for both genders during colder seasons.

The GrassLoom outlet boasts a captivating selection of readymade clothes and other eye-catching items. With the introduction of their fashion consultancy service, they have added a unique dimension to Assam’s fashion landscape. Enthusiasts looking to enhance their style quotient can undoubtedly benefit from the expert guidance offered at GrassLoom, where a blend of tradition and innovation awaits those seeking to wear fine, handloom garments.

#fashion #handloom #dresses #ethnic dresses for women #utpal_datta