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COVID-19: Impact of lockdown on Sarthebari small craft industry
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The sound of the clank of metals and the snapping of the heater has nearly vanished from Sarthebari, a town 80km from here in bring down Assam’s Barpeta area, which is home to the ringer metal industry.
As the country prepares for an all-inclusive lockdown to check the spread of novel coronavirus, the demise chime is by all accounts sounding for the specialists in Sarthebari, who are battling for their employment.
Sarthebari is one of two principle bunches — the other is at Hajo in Kamrup locale — of the metal and chime metal industry in Assam.
Around 40 percent of Sarthebari inhabitants are occupied with the ringer metal industry, with most specialists taking up crafted by their ancestors.
The principle items are kalah (pot), xorai (a plate mounted on a base), kahi (dish), bati (bowl), lota (pot with a long neck) and tal (cymbals).
Expert Haren Das stated, “There are in excess of 350 workshops with 600 or more skilled workers in and around Sarthebari, where laborers make just a single piece of an item. In any case, during the lockdown, they are thinking that its difficult to make a decent living.”
“Despite the fact that a xorai normally weighs somewhere in the range of 2kg and 10kg, I had gotten a request for two 150kg and one 60kg xorai before the lockdown. I am as of now making them,” he included.
Hiren Deka, whose workshop is called Hiren Kaha Shilpa, stated: “The craftsmans work for 12 to 16 hours every day during top season yet post-lockdown just the individuals who have prior requests are working, while others have begun work in their agrarian fields. During top season they make anything between Rs 18,000 and Rs 30,000 a month relying upon the yield. The workers are paid Rs 150 to Rs 2,000 for each kg relying upon the plan.”
Another specialist, Jatin Deka, stated: “The industry was at that point tormented with heap issues like contending with manufacturing plant made reproductions, which clients neglect to separate with the first and which retailers obtain from outside for a higher edge, however the lockdown has brought foreboding shadows over their business.”
Expert Sailen Deka stated, “Metal and ringer metal items request both physical quality and masterful ability to be made. To continue the business, we encourage the Assam government to receive an exceptional monetary bundle.”
In Assamese society, ringer metal, a composite of copper and tin (in the proportion of 4 to 1), holds an uncommon status and has utilitarian and tasteful: they are de rigueur in relationships and strict capacities, while eating from chime metal plates is considered to have medical advantages.
As per the Assam Cooperative Bell Metal Utensils Manufacturing Society Ltd, the yearly yield was 41,638,820kg in 2011-12.
Verifiably, the art goes back to the seventh century and set up accounts follow the ringer metal industry of Assam to the time of Kumar Bhaskaravarman, the last ruler of Varman tradition. Be that as it may, the industry thrived during the Ahom rule, exceptionally during the standard of Swargadeo Siba Singha.
With inputs from Sahjid Khan reports
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Assam’s Mobile Theatre journey since 1960s
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The mobile theatre of Assam, also known as Bhramyaman Theatre, is a unique and vibrant form of theatre that originated in the state of Assam, India where Achyut Lakhar gave birth to Mobile theatre in Pathsala town in the 1960s. Every year the theatre groups travel from place to place with their cast, crew, musicians, dancers and everything required to set the stage, to perform in villages, towns, and cities across Assam.
During the theatre season Pathsala town turned festivity where thousands of people gathered in one place to see plays of ‘Awahan Theatre’, ‘Kohinoor Theatre’, ‘Rajmukut Theatre’, ‘Rajlakhsmi Theatre’. It’s like a festival for the people. The plays often focus on social issues, family drama, mythology, and folklore, as well as contemporary topics like politics and corruption which the audience loves it.
The Theatre group continues to attract audiences on live stage without the use of special effects like green or blue screens, or 3D or 5D technology. During the show many actors injured by accident on live stage.
Earlier, plays like ‘Titanic’ attracted audience without a single drop of water on stage, and ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Mary Kom’, ‘Mahabharat’ and ‘Ramayana’ also attracted audience.
The groups give employment scope to more than 5000 people. There are more than 30 mobile theatres in Assam, where more than 100 to 150 people work in every group.
Tapan Lahkar, producer of Kohinoor Theatre, reflected on the theatre’s legacy, saying, “Kohinoor Theatre has proudly completed 49 years. Every artist in our group puts in immense effort. In the past, we managed to make our play ‘Titanic’ a success without a single drop of water or any special effects—it was a significant challenge for my father. Similarly, our productions of ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Mahabharat,’ and ‘Ramayan’ captivated audiences long before they were ever seen on television.”
Prastuti Parashar, producer of Awahan Theatre, emphasized the cultural importance of mobile theatre, stating, “Mobile theatre has played a crucial role in promoting Assamese culture, language, and identity while providing both entertainment and social commentary to audiences across the state. Awahan Theatre is like family to me, and we are committed to giving our best to entertain our audience. We tackle stories about family and political issues, always with a focus on Assamese culture. We also need the continued support of the people.”
Dhruba Talukdar, producer of Rajlakshmi Theatre, shared his passion for the art, saying, “I hail from Pathsala town, the birthplace of mobile theatre, founded by Achyut Lahkar. Inspired by the plays I watched as a child, I always dreamed of opening my own theatre. I aim to spread positive messages through our productions, addressing issues like global warming, social concerns, politics, and corruption. I take risks to fulfill my dreams, and I don’t believe that OTT platforms can ever replace the unique experience of mobile theatre.”
Manas Kalita, producer of Rajmukut Theatre, highlighted the challenges faced by performers, noting, “Performing on a live stage is not easy. Many actors have been injured during shows, yet they continue to perform with dedication. Every actor and staff member works incredibly hard in mobile theatre.”
Finally, Giridhor Choudhury, a senior citizen from Bajali, expressed his deep connection to the tradition, saying, “Assam’s mobile theatre groups are an integral part of our culture and should live on forever. It’s an emotion for the Assamese people. Since 1963, mobile theatre has provided employment opportunities to many in Assam. Today, there are more than 30 mobile theatres in the state, each employing 100 to 150 people. In total, 4,000 to 5,000 individuals are engaged in this vibrant tradition.”
Assam
Ranjeet Kumar Dass distributs forms of MMNMA scheme at Bhattadev University and NH collage
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After Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ scheme in Assam to prevent child marriage, Assam’s cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass distributed forms of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Asoni scheme at Bhattadev University in Pathsala and NH college in Patacharkuchi.
The scheme to provide monetary benefits to girl students every month in order to put an end to child marriages. This scheme will be awarded to around 10 lakh girls.This scheme is a monthly financial assistance scheme to fight against child marriage. Girls who are studying in HS, graduation and post-graduation level will get this government’s financial support.
During the programme Ranjeet Kumar Dass said, “Heartfelt thanks Assam CM for the CM’s Nijut Moina Scheme, a game-changer for Assam’s meritorious students.”
“There are many families in my constituency that can pay their daughter only Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 a month for the expenses of studying in the university. But now at least such economically backward meritorious students do not have to leave their studies.
“Today we distributed forms in Bhattadev University in Pathsala and NH college in Patacharkuchi in presence of Bajali district administration, students and staffs.
Meanwhile, the students of the university expressed happiness after the scheme launched by the Assam government.
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Bajali youth cycles 1100 km to Jharkhand for clean air awareness
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In a unique initiative to raise awareness about pollution-free India, a young man from lower Assam’s Bajali district has undertaken an arduous 1100 km cycle journey.
Himangshu Sarma, a 26-year-old resident of Titka village in Pathsala, embarked on this mission on July 21, cycling through West Bengal and Bihar to reach Baba Baidyanath Dham temple in Jharkhand on July 26.
Sarma’s journey coincided with the holy month of Shravan, a period when millions of devotees flock to the temple.
Amidst this religious fervor, he aimed to spread his message about the growing air pollution crisis and the importance of sustainable transportation.
Speaking to Times of Northeast, Himangshu said, “Air pollution is rising day by day. Traffic is the main cause of air pollution, and it negatively affects our lives. People are addicted to their motorcycles and cars. We have to control it for our health. To reduce pollution, cycling is one of the best solutions, and it’s good for our health too.”
As Sarma completed his challenging journey, he urged people to adopt eco-friendly modes of transport and contribute to a cleaner environment.
His efforts have garnered attention, with many praising his dedication to raising awareness about a pressing issue.
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