Veteran Folk Artist Durgeshwar Sonowal Receives Pratima Barua Pandey Memorial Award 2024

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) honored celebrated folk artist Durgeshwar Sonowal with the esteemed ‘Pratima Barua Pandey Memorial Award’ for 2024. The 86-year-old artist from Meslow village in Assam’s Dibrugarh district was recognized for his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Assam’s rich folk heritage.

The award ceremony took place at Chandmari in Guwahati, in front of the statue of Pratima Barua Pandey, a legendary Goalparia Lokageet singer whose legacy the award commemorates. Instituted by AASU, the award is presented annually on December 27 to coincide with her death anniversary, honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to safeguarding and nurturing Assam’s folk culture.

Durgeshwar Sonowal’s commitment to folk arts has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Assam, earning him respect and admiration across the state. His contributions exemplify the essence of the award, which celebrates those who work tirelessly to keep Assam’s cultural traditions alive.

Last year, the honor was bestowed upon Rahendra Nath Brahma, a distinguished proponent of folk culture from Kokrajhar. This annual recognition continues to inspire and celebrate those who uphold the region’s artistic and cultural heritage.