On January 1, 2021, Sivasagar deputy commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal kicked-started the year-long celebration of "Barna Kutir", the Artists’ Village in the district.

The Artists’ Village, located in the serene rural environment of Kuwamora Handique village on the outskirts of Sivasagar town, has been working relentlessly for the last 25 years to preserve and promote the traditional art forms of the state, especially in this part of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said, "An institute of art and craft that advocates creative pursuits is always a source of inspiration."

"Creative works in art and crafts enliven our lives and infuse a kind of freshness to our mundane day-to-day activities. They instil in us a sense of zeal to do anything creative for the betterment of human society, "the deputy commissioner added.

He also assured all possible help and patronage for further promotion and development of Barna Kutir, the Artists’ Village.

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The deputy commissioner further expressed his desire to visit the place again for its activities in the future. He was also enthusiastic about sharing the experiences of the artists while engaged in various activities like mask making and terracotta, which have been integral to the cultural heritage of the state for ages.

Speaking on the occasion, Sivasagar tourist information officer Madhab Das thought that Barna Kutir has the potential to carve its place on the tourism map of the district and can be a very interesting destination to promote rural tourism.

Sivasagar tourist information officer Madhab Das

The inaugural programme was anchored by Sivasagar-based young cultural activist Nabaneet Hazarika.

The programme was also graced by the principals of Dikhowmukh College and Garhgaon College, Dr Ranjit Kumar Barua and Dr Sabyasachi Mahanta, respectively; associate professor of Dikhowmukh College, Dr Pratim Sarma, tourist information officer of Tinsukia, Nayanmoni Pamegam, senior journalist Asif Ibrahim, president of Barna Kutir, Dr Khanindra Dev Goswami and its secretary, Sujit Barua, apart from various distinguished personalities of the district.

Senior journalist Asif Ibrahim