Guwahati, 27 December (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday paid rich tributes to legendary Goalpariya folk singer Pratima Barua Pandey on her death anniversary, remembering her unparalleled contribution to taking the region’s folk music to the global stage.

In a message, the Chief Minister said that Pratima Barua Pandey, revered as the “Queen of Goalpariya Folk Songs,” had devoted her life to popularising the priceless folk music of Goalpara beyond Assam and India, a legacy that future generations would continue to cherish.

Dr Sarma described her songs, enriched by her unique and powerful voice, as cultural ornaments of Assam. Belonging to the Gauripur royal family and popularly known as “Hastir Kanya,” Pratima Barua Pandey was a recipient of prestigious honours including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

The Chief Minister offered his deep Shradhanjali, stating that on her sacred remembrance day, the state bows in profound respect to the timeless legacy she left behind in Assamese folk music.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash