Governor attends 17th Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan Sattriya Award 2025 and Indian classical dance and music festival
Guwahati, Rongili Barta: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the 17th Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan Sattriya Award, 2025 and Indian Classical Dance and Music Festival held at the Sri Sri Madhavdev International Auditorium in Panjabari. The event was organized by Sangeet Sattra, in collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam.
On the occasion, Governor Shri Acharya conferred the Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan Sattriya Award, 2025 on to two eminent artistes Pt. Rajendra Gangani and Shri Karunadhar Sarma for their outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance and music.
In his address, the Governor Shri Acharya paid homage to Shri Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan on his birth anniversary, recalling his extraordinary dedication to Sattriya culture and his indelible impact influence on Assam’s spiritual and artistic heritage. “This is a moment of great pride for all who are connected to the glorious legacy of Sattriya tradition,” said the Governor. He expressed deep gratitude to the organizer and lauded Sangeet Sattra’s commitment to preserving and promoting this sacred art form since 2009.
Governor Shri Acharya emphasized the pan Indian significance of the award, which has honored artistes from across the nation, transcending regional boundaries and fostering unity. He congratulated the 2025 awardees for their life-long dedication to classical traditions and cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the philosophical and spiritual depth of Indian music and dance, the Governor noted that from the Vedic hymns to Borgeets and bhajans, music has remained a profound expression of emotion, devotion, and spiritual pursuit. “Our ancient scriptures, such as the Sama Veda and Natya Shastra, underscore the integral role of music in our civilization,” he said, adding that Sattriya draws deeply from this Vedic foundation.
The Governor also recalled the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, and Madhavdeb who envisioned a society rooted in compassion, equality, and universal brotherhood, values that Sattriya culture continues to propagate. “This institution is a living embodiment of that cultural consciousness, as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,” he added.
Governor Shri Acharya acknowledged the contributions of cultural visionaries like Dr. Maheswar Neog, Dr. Pramod Bhattacharya, Dr. Birendranath Dutta and many others, whose efforts shaped the legacy of Sangeet Sattra. He also paid tribute to Shri Raseshwar Saikia Barbayan, calling him a tireless champion of Sattriya dance and philosophy.
Highlighting the global recognition of Sattriya as one of India’s eight classical dance forms, the Governor expressed pride in the institution’s role in bringing this monastic art form ontofestival national and international stages. The Governor also urged the youth to reconnect with their roots, emphasizing the need to carry forward these traditions in contemporary times. He congratulated the organizers for the successful conduct of the and reaffirmed Raj Bhavan’s support in nurturing Assam’s cultural heritage.
Eminent flautist and Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Addl. Chief Secretary B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, renowned sattriya dancer,Padma Bhushan Jatin Goswami, President of Sangeet Satra Swapnanil Barua along with a host of other dignitaries were present in the occasion.