Murchana Music Academy celebrates its glorious silver jubilee with grand cultural fest in Guwahati

By Prantik Deka 

Murchana Music Academy celebrated its Silver Jubilee Year with immense grandeur and cultural enthusiasm on July 20. The all-day event, which began at 10 am, was held at the Sri Sri Madhavadeva International Auditorium in Guwahati’s Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra.

The celebration was graced by eminent Assamese poet Nilim Kumar and Kandarpa Kumar Sharma, a member of the executive committee of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, who attended as special guests. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp by the Academy's Principal, Hiranya Kalita, in the presence of Barnali Kalita, Jonali Das, Parag Deka, and Pallab Bhardwaj. A floral tribute was paid in memory of the late Pankaj Sharma, a noted Santoor artiste from Assam.

Founded on January 1, 2000, Murchana Music Academy is located on the main road of Pub-Sarania in the Chandmari region of Guwahati. The institution offers systematic and scientific music instruction in guitar, electronic keyboard, piano, violin, ukulele, tabla, and vocal music. It also provides online training opportunities to students across the globe.

Under the leadership of Principal Hiranya Kalita and his spouse Barnali Kalita, the institution—widely recognised on an international level—has continued to inspire students to develop, present, and advance their cultural talents through regular stage performances. The cultural programme was seamlessly anchored by academy supporters Madhusmita Nath and Bipul Kumar Bora.

The celebrations began with a group performance of “Ejaak Soraai Uri Uri Jay,” a composition and arrangement by Hiranya Kalita. It featured senior students, teachers, and parents performing together in a spirited display of musical unity.

This year, the Academy conferred the title of ‘Sangeetacharya’ on distinguished Assamese musician Deepak Baruah. He was felicitated with a certificate, a distinctive five-string violin, a traditional Phulaam Gamosa, a Xoraai, and a symbolic memento representing the institution.

A string of captivating performances followed, leaving the audience thoroughly engaged. Ayan Kalita played “Bahaaro Phool Barsaao” on the keyboard. Shams Hazarika rendered “Hai Apna Dil To Awara”, Dhanishta Devi performed “Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye”, and Shreya Sharma played “Sonor Khaaru Nelage Mok” on the guitar. Dheemanta Kumar Baruah performed “Gaa Gaa Aji Gai Jaa”, and Aymen Asman Ali enthralled the audience with “Baar Baar Dekho.”

Under Barnali Kalita’s guidance, violin students Ananyashree Baruah, Sumanashree Das, Pragyashree Nath, Stelina Kakoti, Ratna Boro, Barnali Das, Moushreya Baishya, Nishika Bardoloi, Ayushman Barman, Jayashree Baruah, and Dolly Devi presented heartfelt renditions of Bhupen Hazarika’s classic “Kahowa Bon Mor Ashanta Mon” and the Indian classical Raag Hansadhwani, earning thunderous applause.

The Silver Jubilee stage also witnessed Bhargav Pratim Bhardwaj’s performances of “Nile Nile Ambar Pe” and “O Maijan Toke He Dekha Pai”, and Pragyashree Nath’s interpretation of Jayanta Hazarika’s “Mayamoy Rupali Jonak.” Sukanya Sharma charmed the audience with “Bohagote Ahibi Senai Oi”, while Himashree Barooah performed “Poka Dhanor Maje Maje.”

Junior students delivered a touching rendition of “Ai Asomir Pujar Bedit”, with lyrics and music by Hiranya Kalita, showcasing their sincerity and innocence. The electronic keyboard students added vibrancy with performances of “Tip Tip Barsa Pani”, “Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya”, and “Tomaar Ushah Kahowaa Komol.”

In recognition of excellence in music examinations in 2024, a number of students were awarded symbolic tokens of encouragement. The recipients included Umangi Kashyap, Wahid Alam, Sreeraag Patgiri, Shabib Ahmed, Pibaren Lairenjam, Nikunj Bawri, Navya Bawri, Krithik Das, Kritartha Kanta Baruah, Siddhant Pratim Baruah, Aranyak Spondan Sharma, Ayan Jyoti Das, Prithika Priyadarshini Kashyap, Suryansh Pratim Das, Arunabh Pragyan Roy, Abhinav Pragyan Roy, Raihan Hussain, Priyanshi Sharma, Neeraj Sharma, Hanvika Sharma, Mugdha Akash Bhaskar, Mehaak Khan, Khavish Kachari, Hrishikesh Rabha, Harshita Boro Hazarika, Diptangshu Patgiri, Deweshi Goswami, and Darshil Dutta.

Special recognition was also accorded to former student Bipul Biswas, who founded the ‘String Rider Music Education School’ in Barpeta Road. He was honoured with a gamosa and the Academy’s emblem. His students performed on stage as part of the celebration.

The grand finale of the Silver Jubilee celebrations featured an emotional and powerful performance by 32 guitarists, who played “Porajanamar Shubhalaganat Jodihe Amar Hoy Dekha”, a composition by the legendary cultural figure Bishnu Prasad Rabha. This stirring performance marked a memorable conclusion to the day's festivities.