To honor the legacy of Padma Shri Pratima Barua Pandey’s life and legacy, 12 bigha, 3 katha, and 18 lessa land at Matiabag to be acquired for the development of a living museum out of Hawakhana for Rs. 15 crores. The project will help to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Hawakhana, a game resort owned by the former Gauripur Zamindari Estate, while also boosting tourism.
Also Read: How To Apply For BH Series Number Plate In Assam
Pratima Pandey Barua (1935-2002) was affectionately referred to as “Hastir Kanya” (Elephant’s Daughter). She was born into the royal family of Gauripur in the western Assam district of Dhubri, and was the niece of legendary filmmaker Pramathesh Chandra Barua. Barua’s love of music led her to commoners such as buffalo herders and mahouts from a young age. She gave the Rajbangshi community a distinct voice through her songs, sacrificing the privileges of royalty. The lyrics’ soulful nature and humanitarian content struck a chord in the state.
On the other hand, When Bhupen Hazarika ran into Pratima Barua on his way back to Gauripur in 1956, he decided to include her songs in his Assamese film Era Bator Xur (Songs of the Abandoned Road). It was the first step toward appreciating Goalpara’s folk heritage’s fluidity.
Today, the Padma Shri Pratima Pandey Barua statue stands at Swahid Udyan in Chandmari, witnessing massive changes in its cultural environment and the possible danger of folk music appropriation.
Earlier this year, with the start of the fiscal year 2022-23, Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog announced in a budget speech that ₹15 crores was earmarked for land acquisition for Pratima Pandey Barua Museum at Gauripur, Dhubri to preserve memories of the iconic folk singer and promote Goalparia folk song as well.
