Showcasing cultural heritage

Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra (SSK) has been conceived as a great exposition of life and culture of the people of Assam and the NE region, particularly of its diverse ethnic groups and sub-groups which have created the cultural mosaic, which is the essence of Assam and the region in respect of all its beauty and splendour. Named after the great unifier of Assam and one of the greatest saints and integrator of Indian society in the 15th century, Srimanta Sankardeva, the Kalakshetra attempts to capture and convey the essence of the great seer’s spirit, who preached the message of unity in diversity and universal brotherhood of man. Situated aptly in lush surroundings in the backdrop of serene mountains in Guwahati, the Institution spread over a sprawling 11 hectares of land, attempts and strives for the preservation, restoration, research, promotion and development of the rich cultural heritage of the diverse ethnic communities inhabiting the region.

The Cultural complex was conceived by the Cultural Advisory Committee of  Government of Assam in mid 80’s to serve as a centre of activities in the field of dance, drama, music, fine arts, literature etc. with a view to preserve and promote the cultural heritage. The foundation stone was laid on 2nd February 1988 and a little more than a decade later on 9th November 1998, the President of India bestowed the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra to the nation.

The Kalakshetra is run by a registered society called the ‘Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra Society’. The huge Institution has a Sahitya and Sangeet Natak Bhawan, a Lalit Kala Bhawan, a Cultural Museum, a Heritage Park, an Open Air Theatre, Sound recording studio and archive, a fully AC art gallery, permanent Terracotta workshop, permanent stage for puppet theatre, a sericulture garden, a state of art indoor auditorium, International Convention centre, a modern children’s park and a solar energy park.

The SSK has truly lived up to what end it was conceived. It has continuously strived in its 11 years of existence to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the region. It has not only showcased but also promoted seminars and workshops, exchange of ideas and techniques and research in the field of music, dance, drama, literature, fine arts and crafts between different ethnic groups of the State as also with other states of the country. Local artists and artisans are openly allowed to use its facilities when no big events are on. The Institution has done great work in not only highlighting local folk songs and dances and traditional instruments of the region but also seriously looked to give solid support and futuristic avenues to them so that these may stand the test of time and not fade out. Traditional arts like wood carving, bamboo and cane handicraft work, mask making etc have been continuously supported with the look-out for better exposure and credibility through various programmes on them at the SSK. But at the same time, matched with tradition, foreign cultural delegations are also landing at the SSK and their exchanges with local artists is now materializing often, taking the plane of understanding and learning to a new level at the SSK.

The SSK, from its very inception, has actively taken up various programs for children. It strives to acquaint the children, who are the future citizens of our country, to the various folk and traditional culture of the state and the region. There are regular programmes, camps and workshops for children apart from events where children perform various song and dance items. Along with these, special programs are held to introduce children to the various well known personalities of the state. These programs have got provision for not only children from all over the state and the region to participate but it also specially welcomes handicapped retarded and impaired children to be part of these. The beautiful Children’s park along with the children centre is one of the main attractions of the Kalakshetra today. The State Energy Park is also inside this complex——the idea is to make the children aware of the environment and our energy requirements and the necessity of conservation. Aptly this section is named after the late Bhabendranath Saikia, whose love for children is a well known fact and the Kalakshetra also got blessed when this cultural doyen of Assam served out this cultural nerve centre in the capacity of Vice Chairman during its initial years until he breathed his last.

Dr Gautam Sharma served the Kalakshetra as its Secretary for two terms (10 years) and under him the Institution earned respectability and a name as simply the first and last stop in the region for big time cultural understanding, research and promotion. Early this year the mantle passed to Seameer Rajkhowa, who in the Secretary’s chair seems to continue the good work put by his predecessor.

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