PROGRAM GUIDE FOR ASSAM 2009

July 3 and 4, 2009

July 3: 10 AM – noon: Sightseeing: Garden of the Gods Park and the Air Force Academy. These two wonderful attractions are within 5-6 miles of the hotel. We will provide maps. If possible, we will accompany you. We will meet at the hotel lobby at 10 AM. Depending on how many people want to go, we will share cars.

July 3, 2-5:30 PM: Picnic, games and sports in a local park close to the hotel; Picnic dinner served early in the evening. Location: Golden Hills Park, 6155 Delmonico Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80919. Directions: Come down from the hotel to Rockrimmon Boulevard, go a few hundred yards to the traffic light, make a left turn to Delmonico Drive, about a quarter mile to the park. The park is on the right. Facilities: Due to budget cuts in the city, the restroom at the park is closed. We will provide a portable toilet. The park has children's play setups, a basketball court, a soccer field, walking/running trails, and leads to extensive wooded foothills type walking trails. You can either walk to the park or drive. Snacks: On arrival Games and Sports: From 2:30 to 4:15 PM Dinner: 4:15 to 5:30 PM; Food will be supplied by a local Indian restaurant at the park. Clean up: 5:30-5:45 PM; Dinner will end sharply at 5:30 PM so that people can go back to the hotel to freshen up after being in the sun for a few hours. We want the cultural program to start on time.

July 3, 6 – 6:45 PM, Ballroom EFGH: Presentation and mixture with Astronaut Michael Fincke, Assamese son-in-law. Listen to him, mingle with him, take photographs with him. Michael Fincke is married to Renita, daughter of Rupesh and Probha Saikia of Houston. He recently spoke to students of several educational institutions in Northeast India from the International Space Station (ISS). Michael Fincke attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduated in 1989 with a bachelor of science in Aeronautics and Astronautics as well as a bachelor of science in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. This was followed by a master of science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University in 1990. Michael Fincke spent six-months aboard the International Space Station continuing science operations, maintaining Station systems, and performing four spacewalks in the Expedition 9 mission (April 18 to Oct 23, 2004). As the Commander of the ISS Expedition 18 (October 12, 2008 to April 8, 2009), Fincke and his 3-person crew helped prepare the station for future 6-person crews and hosted the Space Shuttle crews of STS-126 and STS-119. Colonel Fincke has a total of 365 days, 21 hours and 32 minutes in space, and logged a total of 26 hours and 12 minutes of EVA time on six spacewalks.

Variety Show, 7 PM -10 PM, Ballroom EFGH

Emcees: Sidhartha Hazarika, Sanjukta Santra and Rinku Dewri

1. Prathana (tumi sitto britti muro) and bonti joluwa

2. Chorus: Axom Aamar Rupohi (Dr. Bhupen Hazarika) by Assamese residents of Colorado. This song, composed by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, describes the beauty, elegance and cultural uniqueness of our Axom.

3.. Bharatanatyam : Sanjukta Santra (6.5 minutes)

Sanjukta is 12 yrs old, turning 13 on July 5th. She is the eldest daughter of Dr. Dipak Santra, Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Dr. Meenakshi Santra. Her father is a native of Midnapore, West Bengal and her mother is from Sibsagar, Assam. Sanjukta started traditional Bharatanatyam dance at the age of four under Hemavathi Sharma of Kansas city. Hemavathi Sharma is the artistic director of Nirtya School of Dance holding the titles of Natyaratna and Natyakalaratna. After the family moved to Pullman, Washington in 2002, Sanjukta continued her dance in Sudiksha School of Dance under Raji Soundarajan, a devoted bharatanatyam dancer under the Kalakshetra style. The family then moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 2008 and Sanjukta was able to continue her dance under another artist, Puja Allepalli in Denver, Colorado. The family will soon be moving to Fort Collins, CO. Sanjukta will present Puspanjali with Gaja Vandana set to Adi talam.

4. Songs : Rohan and Reema Baishya (8 minutes) Rohan and Reema are the two lovely kids of Sachin and Surekha Baishya. They live in Longmont, Colorado. Rohan and Reema are a fun-loving brother-sister duo who performs too. Both of them will sing a duet of Dr. Bhupen Hazarik – ‘Kohuwa bon mur oxanto mon’. Rohan will also sing a solo by Mukesh – ‘Kayi baar yuhi dekha hai.’

5. Piano : Jaqueline Bhuyan (8 Minutes) Jacqueline Bhuyan lives in Westminster, CO with her husband Ganesh Bhuyan. She is a former college music teacher and holds a Masters degree in Music Theory. Jackie has been composing music for over 40 years, and has recorded a CD called "Reflections on Life's Journey", scheduled for release this fall. It includes 11 tracks composed and performed by her on the piano. She is joined by Grammy nominated David Darling performing cello improvisations on 4 of the tracks. She had planned to perform some full versions of selections from the CD, but had to undergo shoulder surgery a month ago. However, she has written a few left-hand only short, simple pieces using themes

from the music on the CD to perform for us tonight. Jackie writes in the classical music tradition, particularly that of the Romantic and Impressionistic Periods. Her music reflects the struggles humanity faces in life, but with the constant element of hope, and in reviews of past performances, her music has been described as being calm, contemplative, relaxing, and at times ethereal. The pieces she will perform are called ‘Adagio’, in E-minor, and ‘Largo’, in D Flat Major.

6. Assamese songs : Shikha Baishya (8 minutes)

Shikha Baishya will be a sophmore at Millard North High School this fall. She has been learning classical Indian singing for three years under Dr. Chitrita Chaterji. Shikha has also been playing the violin for over 5 years. Outside of music, her other interests include running Track and playing Tennis. Beginning fall, she will also be a part of the Forensics (speech and debate) team, the Orchestra, FCCLA, Amnesty International Association and Millard North's Tennis team. Today she will be performing two of Bhupen Hazarika's songs titled – ‘Manuhe Manuhore Baabe’ and ‘Aaji Jibon Butolibi.’

7. Meera Bhajan : Nikita Bhuyan (7 minutes)

12 year old Nikita Bhuyan is from Phoenix, Arizona and is the daughter of Samar and Rashmi Bhuyan. She has been learning Bharatnatyam and Indian classical dances for the past 7 years in Arathi School of India Dances in Phoenix from her guru Kalashri Asha Gopal. Tonight she will perform a dance piece based on Meera Bhajan in Bharatanatyam Dance style. As most of us know, Meera Bai was a Rajput princess who lived in the North Indian state of Rajasthan. She was a devout follower of Lord Krishna. This dance titled “Meera Bhajan” shows how Meera is happily describing her Lord Krishna’s beauty.

8. Assamese songs: Jayanta and Nilakshee Thakuria (10 minutes) Jayanta and Nilakshee live in New Jersey. They have been performing duets in Assamese

conventions and get-togethers for several years. 9. State of the Assamese Community: Samar Kalita (10 minutes)

Samar Kalita grew up in a family in Los Angeles with immensely high expectations. So far, he has held fairly well to those expectations. After graduating high school, he was accepted into UCSD, the University of California in San Diego. In his first quarter, Kalita received the highest grade out of 500 other students in his Economics class. Towards the end of his second year, he got hired for an internship at Wachovia Securities, a financial industry. He also became the youngest worker employed at the Union Bank. Kalita was accepted into the London School of Economics year abroad program in his sophomore year. Only the top 300 students around the world were accepted. Kalita enjoys playing soccer. He played soccer at South Torrance High School for 3 years. His team won the Regional Championships. Another sport Kalita participates in is cricket. He became one of the best players for UCSD and the Anaheim cricket club. Acting is another one of his interests. He is able to do over 160 accents and impersonations. Kalita won the best actor award at South Torrance High in 2007. Currently, he is a 20 year-old sophomore attending UCSD.

10. Bharatanatyam: (5 minutes) Thillana by Gayathri Chelvadurai and Smita Patel, Colorado Springs, Colorado. This thillana is in ragam Hindolam set to adi talam. Choreographed by Ms. Bonmayuri Kalita. Gayathri and Smita are very bright performers of Natyasangam Dance Academy, Colorado Springs

11. Songs (15 minutes) Rick and Nick, NJ At the age of 9 years, Rick (Rupak) Bhuyan made his singing debut Assamese functions at the Y2K Assam Conference. He also pursued this interest by joining various choirs in his school. Soon, he found himself in the South Jersey Regional Chorus. Rick represented the State of New Jersey in All State Chorus for two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. When he entered 9th grade, he decided to join the school musical. As a result, he discovered that he also had a passion for acting. Since then, he has starred as the lead role in two musicals. Rick has recently graduated from high school. He plans to continue singing and acting at Harvard University next academic year.

Nick Bhuyan has been an avid choral singer while growing up. He kindled his enthusiasm for music by taking part in many school choirs and even extending this range to the South Jersey Regional Chorus. His concentration in music opened up a new avenue into the world of performing arts. He quickly rose to the top as the lead role in last year’s musical. Nick has just graduated from high school. He aims to invigorate this pursuit in the arts and interweave it with his other academic interest at Rutgers University.

12. Fashion show conducted by Rashmi and Samar Bhuyan (20 minutes) Dhruba Das of Pennsylvania (Pator Punjabi, Dhuti with Gamosa) with Susan Das of Pennsylvania (Paator Mekhela Chadar); Ranju Das of Pennsylvania (Pator Kurta) with Elora Das of PA (Pator Skirt); Silpi Baishya, of Omaha, Nebraska (Kesa Paator Mekhela Chador); Monalisa Baishya of Omaha, Nebraska (Pure Paat with Guna work); Shikha Baishya, Omaha, Nebraska (Mugar Mekhela Chador); Alpana Sarangapani of Houston, Texas (Paator Mekhela Chador); Minakhi Sarma, Kansas City of Kansas (Paator Mekhela Chador with Guna Work); Anjana Bora, Dallas, Texas (Paator Mekhela Chador); Jugal Kalita with Ananya Kalita of Colorado Spring (Jugal wearing Paat Kurta with Dhuti, Gamosa; Ananya wearing Kesa Paator Mekhela Chadar); Bonmayuri Kalita of Colorado Spring (Paator Mekhela Chador); Hilly Kalita, Los Angles of California (Assamese Boro Dress); Samar Kalita of Los Angeles, Calofornia (Paator Kurta with Dhuti); Mallika Bora of Fargo, North Dakota (Kesa Paat); Surekha Baishya with Reema Baishya, Colorado Springs (Surekha wearing Paator Mekhela Chador; Reema wearing Mugar Kurta); Rashmi Bhuyan of Phoenix, Arizona (Paator Mekhela chador with Guna work with Lokai para Jewelry); Nikita Bhuyan of Phoenix, Arizona (Hand woven Miri mekhela Chador, Jewelery: Dhul Madoli, Jon Biri and Gal Pata); Ruprekha Bhuyan of New Jersey (Pator Mekhela Chador); Rick Bhuyan with Nick Bhuyan of New Jersey (Both wearing Pator Kurta, Pator Chador)

13. Tarali Sharma (30 minutes): Tarali Sarma is a complete Artiste. A versatile singer composer and music director. Who loves to take the tougher path. To begin with she chose Traditional Axomiya Music. Being born in a family in Asom (India) where Traditional & Folk music is a family legacy, the passion and love for music flowed in her veins. Then she chose the ancient and extremely difficult idioms of various traditional and folk music, to harness and express her creativity. And after diving deep within the time-tested ocean of Traditional & Folk music, she chose to share the pearls she discovered with a creative mind across the globe.

July 3, 10:30-midnight: Dancing with DJ, informal parties, Location: Ballroom, guest rooms

July 4 10 AM – noon:

Presentations: Location--Ballroom

Establishing a Fruitful Relationship with Parijat Academy by Ram Sarangapani, Alpana Sarangapani and others: After the loss of their only son, Ram and Alpana Sarangapani have dedicated their lives to his memory and charitable work. One project they have undertaken is establishing a close relationship with a K-12 boarding school near Guwahati for disadvantaged children. They have built, furnished and provided books for a library at the school. They are also working with others in the USA and elsewhere in developing a rewarding and fruitful relationship with the Parijat Academy.

Supporting Children in Assam: Ankur Bora. Ankur has been working tirelessly for many years working with Parijat Academy and a few other schools in Assam, trying to raise funds and resources, particularly for schools that work with disadvantaged kids. Recently, he has embarked upon a project to raise money for supporting education and upkeep of such students in Assam.

Michael Fincke's Talk from Space with Students in Northeast India: Ankur Bora on behalf of Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters (FASS) July 4, 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch at a local Chinese restaurant Name: China Inn II Location: 5929 Delmonico Drive. Directions: You can see the restaurant from the hotel. Come down from the hotel to Rockrimmon Boulevard, go the the traffic light a few hundred yards away, make a left turn to Delmonico Drive, less than a quarter mile to the restaurant. It will be 5 minutes of walking from the hotel to the restaurant. July 4, 2- 4 PM: Seminars, meetings, workshops: Location--Ballroom The Contemporary Drama Movement: From Abroad to Assam, Dr. Akhil Chakravorty, President Asom Natya Sonmilon. Dr. Chakravorty who is visiting his daughter and son-in-law in Omaha, Nebraska will discuss the state of Assamese drama in light of the current situation in Assam. Dr. Akhil Chakravorty, President, Asom Natya Sanmilan, is the writer of the plays such as Ami Swapnatur, Uttar Purush, Ejon Raja Achil, Pujanio Deuta, and Enisar Kahini. He was awarded as the Best Dramatist by the Government of Assam in 1974. He is a novelist also and has authored several novels, namely, Nayan Tara, Manikpurat Ratipua, Yat Andhakar, Unmad Aranya, Aji Devojani, Mon Brindabon, and Rodali Pamot Enisa. Dr. Chakravorty is a recognized lyricist of All India Radio, Dibrugarh and Guwahati.. He is a private producer for Doordarshan Dibrugarh, Guwahati and PPC NE and produced serials like Ami Swapnatur, Pujanio Deuta, Enisar Kahini and documentaries titled Rural Melody, Golden Days- A Hope, etc. Dr. Chakravorty was awarded PhD by Dibrugarh University for his thesis on Post War Assamese Drama.

Remembering Cotton College: Paban Sarma. Most everyone of any fame and substance in Assam is an alumnus of Cotton College in Guwahati. The most well known institution of higher education in Assam, the college that is more than 100 years old, has had an enormous impact on every aspect of Assam.

July 4, 5:15 to 6:30 PM: Buffet, sit-down dinner at the hotel. Location: Ballroom. Food provided by Mirch Masala. Variety Show, 7 PM -10 PM, Ballroom EFGH

Emcees: Margaret Mistry, Paban Sarma and Mona Baishya 1. Kirtan : An in vocational Sattriya piece (7 minutes), artist: Vedajyoti Ojah, Houston, Kirtan: Taal – Ektaal, Raag – Traditional tune. This piece is based on excerpts from the holy Kirtan authored by Sri Sri Sankardev. It tells the story of birth of Lord Sri Krishna on a stormy night and describes him as the protector of the entire universe.

Vedajyoti Ozah a full time dancer who expresses her artistic talents through creative choreography, expressive dance, seminars and workshops. Trained under Guru Indira P.P. Bora and Padmashri Jatin Goswami she has performed in mainstream Indian and European venues. Vedajyoti is immensely committed to performing Sattriya dance and exploring innovative elements for presenting Sattriya as a contemporary classical dance form within its traditional framework. Recently she has embarked on a project an arts antiquity project entitled “Sattriya Heritage Project” wherein different dimensions and facets of Sattriya tradition like instrumental music (with special focus on lesser known traditional instruments), theatre, and stage props will be used for traditional and contemporary interpretation of the dance form. The season I of this project introduced the

lesser known instruments mridanga and the sarinda to mainstream Sattriya dance music. She envisions herself as one who can create bridges – between cultures and people.

2. Flute (10 minutes), artist: Elora Marie Das. Elora will play a musical piece on

the flute, also a musical piece on the picollo. She is the daughter of Dhruba Das and Susan Das with two brothers Rupam and Ronju. She has played flute from 4th to 12th grade but have since only been performing for the Assam conventions. She has played piccolo from 8th to 12th grade and also have not been performing except especially for the Assam convention. Elora is a civil engineer by profession.

3. Assamese Songs (10 minutes ): Ruprekha Bhuyan of Mays Landing, NJ . Ruprekha Bhuyan is a medical doctor by profession. She has been singing in Assamese conventions and get-togethers for many years.

4 . Raas (18 minu tes): wi l l be p resen ted in Sat t riya Dance Sty le Sattriya dance, which has an ancient history that was traditionally performed by monks in the monasteries of Assam. The main distinctiveness of this dance form is – dipping and bobbing of the body and the pull of gravitation. This is called “ULAHA” and this Ulaha has to be maintained in every movement. Sattriya, or Sattriya Nritya, is one among eight principal classical Indian dance traditions. Whereas some of the other traditions have been revived in the recent past, Sattriya has remained a living tradition since its creation by the Assamese Vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in 15th century Assam. Sankardeva created Sattriya Nritya as an accompaniment to the Ankiya Naat (a form of Assamese one-act plays devised by him), which were usually performed in the sattras, as Assam's monasteries are called. As the tradition developed and grew within the sattras, the dance form came to be called Sattriya Nritya. Today, although Sattriya Nritya has emerged from within the confines of the sattras to a much wider recognition, the sattras continue to use the dance form for ritualistic and other purposes for which it was originally created circa 500 years ago. About Raas : Lord Krishna took part in Rasalila, the secrets of which can only be understood by devotees like Narada, Radha, the Gopis and Sri Gouranga. Lila is the mosaic of music and dance of Krishna with the gopis: as a group and with Radha in particular. His frolic with the gopis expresses the intimate relationship between God and the devotees, where the melody flowing from Krishna's flute is the call of the Divine, inviting all creatures to rejoin God in eternal bliss. His affair with Radha accentuates the linkage between the human soul and the Divine. This dance piece is choreographed by the president of Natyasangam dance academy of Colorado Springs Bonmayuri Kalita and she will be accompanied by her student dancers Divyanka Gupta, Kuhu Basak, Tia Basak and Vanika Hans.

5. Violin: Monalisa Baishya of NE (18 minutes ). Monalisa Baishya will be a

freshman at University of Nebraska at Lincoln and will major in Biochemistry along with Pre-Medicine. She has been playing the violin for over 8 years, and will continue throughout college. Outside of music, Mona also plays tennis and was a part of National Honor Society. She will be playing Churalia Hai Tum and Kal Ho Na Ho.

6. Bharatanatyam Natraj Anjali Dance: Nikita Bhuyan, Phoenix, (6 minutes): Bharat Natyam is one of oldest devotional classical Indian dance forms. The word 'Bharat' is made up of three Sanskrit terms: Bhaav meaning emotion, Raag meaning music, and Taal meaning rhythm. The word Natyam means drama. In this dance theme called “Natraj Anjali” is performed to pay respect to the Lord Shiva who is also known as Natraj. It is said that Natraj's dance is the energy that keeps the universe running, and that if he ever stops dancing the universe will cease to exist. Nikita Bhuyan from Phoenix, Arizona is the daughter of Samar and Rashmi Bhuyan. She has been learning Bharatnatyam and Indian classical dances for past 7 years in Arathi School of India Dances in Phoenix from her guru Kalashri Asha Gopal.

7. Assamese Songs(15), artists: Rick and Nick Bhuyan, NJ (15 minutes)

Rupak (Rick) Kumar and Neepak (Nick) Kumar Bhuyan are twins. They have recently graduated from high school. They are fully and professionally trained vocalists for Western style music. Rick has had the rare distinction and honor to represent the state of New Jersey as a vocalist in the all-state chorus for two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. In addition, Rick and Nick have both represented Southern New Jersey as vocalists for three consecutive years. Rick and Nick have also recorded five remix albums containing forty songs. Rick is heading to Harvard and Nick to Rutgers in the fall. 8.Assamese Contemporary Dance (5 minutes) Nilakshi Thakuria and Suravi Kalita, NJ. The two sisters will perform a Modern Assamese based on the Song "Jonakore Raati" . The dance is choreographed by Suravi, Nilakshi and Pronoti Tahbildar.

9.Songs, artist: Surekha Baishya, Longmont, Colorado (15 minutes). Surekha D.Baishya is trained in Hindustani Classical Music (vocal). Blessed with a lovely voice, she also trained under Kalyanjibhai (of Kalyanji-Anandji fame). She loves singing bhajans, ghazals and old Hindi film songs.

10. Kathak (10 minutes), artist: Hilli Kalita, LA Hilly is going to perform a Kathak dance named Chaturang. The meaning of the word Chaturang is four colors. Hilly is going to show different shades and colors of Ek Taal. It is a special 12 beats cycle which will consists of Geet with lyrics such as 'Sakhiyon Saab

Hil mil ke Gawat Chaturang Hai'; the second part is Tabla with boal like 'Dhit Dhit Dhite Dhite Dhage Tite' etc.; the third part is Swargaam with lyrics like 'Sa re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa' and fourth part is Taraana with boal like 'Nom tom da dher dena' etc. Hilly has an engineering background and holds a Master of Science in Engineering. Her Bachelor of Science degree from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, India. She has worked for such reputed companies as TRW, Boeing, FAA, and British Telecom. She is a real estate agent now by profession for Century 21 Amber; selling houses is her passion. 11.Skit (10 minutes). Ganesh and Mallika Bora, North Dakota. The couple will perform a humorous skit called Senapoti.

12.Sattriya Dance (15 minutes), Vedajyoti Ojah, Houston: Vedajyoti Ozah wiil perform Rajagharia chali, Thukani and Suta taal, Raag- Dhanashri. Rajagharia Chali as the name suggests was designed to be presented before the King and his court. This pure dance composition ends with a borgeet by Sri Sri Madhav Dev in praise Lord Shri Krishna. Madhav Dev describes the beauty of the Lord and seeks his blessings. 13. Bihu Dance (5 minutes) by Gayathri Chelvadurai, Latha Reddy, Smita Patel and

Bonmayuri Kalita of Colorado Springs, Colorado: Bihu is the national festival of Assam. There are three Bihus celebrated at different times of the year. Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu ushers in the Assamese New Year in the middle of April.

14. Tarali Sarma (30-45 minutes): Tarali Sarma is a complete artiste. A versatile singer, composer and music director who loves to take the tougher path. Being born in a family in Asom (India) where Traditional and Folk music are in the family blood, the passion and love for music flowed in her veins from a young age. Tarali thrives on challenges, loves to crossover boundaries, take an un-threaded path and try the never before. Tarali continues to create and immerse in different forms of music Result? A series of hugely successful ‘firsts’ in the list of her musical adventures.

She created an identity of her own when at the tender age of 12 she composed the music for an All India Radio Program. She has the rare distinction of winning the coveted ‘Rajat Kamal’, National (India) award as the best female play back singer in the year 2004, thus becoming the first female from the State of Asom to win the prestigious award. She also has the privilege of being the first female music director in the mobile theatres of Asom.

July 4, 10:30-midnight: Dancing with DJ, informal parties, Location: Ballroom, guest rooms