The main attractions of the program was a musical performance by Sri Pankaj Dutta, the famous Assamese Singer. Sri Dutta enthralled the audience with his rendering of famous numbers of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, besides lively Bihu songs to match the mood of the occasion. The open air venue, by the side of the sea, on a cool April evening, added its own charm for the cultural program. Sri Dutta was assisted in his performance by Sri Bulbul Laskar of Guwahati. It may be mentioned here that Sri Pankaj Dutta had performed for the society during the Rongaali Bihu celebrations in 2002 at Ras Al Khaimah.
Other attractions of the evening included Husori led by local ‘Dhulia’ Dayananda Gogoi which saw the participation of ladies and gents in large numbers. Dance performances by the veteran duo Rohini and Rupali kept everyone on their feet. Little Shireen Dutta, of Abu Dhabi, with her recitation of two Assamese poems of yesteryears, impressed everyone. The two and half hour long cultural program, which continued till late in the night, included group dance performances by Suffraz, Shartaz, Harshita and Arnav. The function concluded with ‘Mukoli Bihu’ where almost everyone took to the dance floor.
The cultural function was compered by Seema Barua Rose, while the entire celebrations were ably co-ordinated by Faruk Syed with the support of other members of the Society.
Before the start of the cultural program, Col. (Retired) Mahananda Medhi delivered the welcome address, on behalf of the society. Dr. (Mrs.) Santi Medhi announced the completion of the formalities of the registration of ‘Dubai Initiative for Assam’ (D.I.A.). The initiative, registered as a Society, was incidentally announced a year back during the Bihu celebrations in Dubai in 2004. It may be added here that D.I.A. aims at carrying out social activities for the rural poor in Assam with financial assistance mainly from UAE. Dr. Medhi called for the participation of all the members of the society to make this social initiative a success for the benefit of the underprivileged people back home.
The group activities next morning included boat rides to nearby islands which turned out to be thrilling experience for everyone. The get-together also gave an opportunity to discuss amongst those present about future activities of the society. A number of teams were formed to carry out future activities including Bihu celebrations, publishing of the third edition of Probaxi Bihuwaan – the souvenir of the Society.
The get-together at this beach resort also provided the participants an opportunity to interact with new and old members of the society.
Dubai based Ajmal Perfumes was the major sponsor for the program. the gifts and prizes for the program were sponsored by New Medical Centre Group of Abu Dhabi. Courtesy transport for the participants in the program was provided by Diamond Lease, Dubai. The guest artist was hosted by Sri Mahmud Zaman Laskar of Dubai.
Photographs of the program, captured by Rashid Ahmed and Sanjeeb Rose, can be viewed on the internet by visiting the home page of the Society at http://www.assamdubai.org
This is the Seventh year in succession since 1999, when the Bihu has been organized in UAE as a community function by the Assam Society, Dubai. The society plans to organize more such programs in future.
- by D K Borah, Axom Xomaj, Dubai