Celebrating Assam’s cultural legacy at Guwahati's enduring centre of artistic activity

By Prantik Deka 

Founded in 1976 by writer, journalist and playwright Pabitra Kumar Deka, the cultural organisation Aikyatan has grown into an enduring centre of artistic activity in Guwahati. As the institution marks its 50th anniversary this year, its journey reflects decades of sustained engagement with theatre, literature and performance culture in Assam. Even after the passing of its founder, the organisation has continued its work through the efforts of his sons, cine-journalist Prantik Deka and filmmaker Prodyut Kumar Deka, along with a network of artists and cultural enthusiasts who remain associated with the platform.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations were marked by the staging of Ayurekha, the only one-act play written by noted Assamese short story writer Saurabh Kumar Chaliha. The play was presented on the evenings of February 13 and 14 at the New Art Players Auditorium, drawing audiences for two consecutive performances as part of the commemorative programme.

Written in a period when scientific thinking was gaining increasing prominence, Ayurekha employs satire to explore the persistence of traditional beliefs such as palmistry and the interpretation of life lines. Through humour and dialogue, the play examines how such beliefs continue to influence people’s perceptions of destiny and personal choice despite the spread of scientific knowledge. The narrative questions the logic of allowing superstition to shape life decisions and encourages audiences to reflect on the tension between inherited belief systems and rational inquiry.

Both performances drew attentive audiences who responded to the play’s blend of satire and social commentary. Under the direction of Prodyut Kumar Deka, the staging emphasised the text’s underlying critique while maintaining a lively theatrical rhythm. The director’s approach sought to balance humour with reflection, allowing the themes of the play to unfold through performance rather than overt didacticism.

The cast featured Anupam Arindam Goswami, Atonu Kashyap, Rakesh Ranjan Das and Amal Chakraborty, whose performances contributed to the overall impact of the production. Complementing the acting was a carefully coordinated technical design, including music by Rahul Das, lighting by Pona Kalita and makeup design by Sanku Baruah, which together supported the dramatic flow of the play.

The evening’s programme also included a mime performance by Moinul Haque, a long-time member of Aikyatan and a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. His mime sequences depicted scenes from everyday Assamese social life, blending humour with observation. The short vignettes resonated strongly with the audience, generating both laughter and reflection and receiving warm applause.

As Aikyatan celebrates five decades of cultural activity, the revival of Ayurekha reflects the organisation’s continuing commitment to theatre that engages with social ideas while nurturing local artistic talent. The Golden Jubilee events also highlight the role such cultural platforms have played in sustaining and evolving the performing arts tradition in Assam.