Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Saturday conferred the Padmashree Pratima Barua Pandey Memorial Award on renowned folk culture exponent Ratneswar Moran in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Assam’s indigenous heritage. The ceremony took place at the Pratima Barua Pandey statue site inside Shahid Udyan, Chandmari, Guwahati.
AASU leaders honoured Moran, who hails from Bormesai Shimluguri under Kakopathar in Tinsukia district, for his lifelong efforts to preserve, promote, and transmit traditional folk practices. Over the decades, Moran played a crucial role in safeguarding traditional songs, rituals, and community cultural expressions rooted in Upper Assam’s tribal ethos.
Meanwhile, the commemorative programme brought together cultural personalities, artistes, intellectuals, and admirers who paid tribute to both Padmashree Pratima Barua Pandey and the award recipient. Moreover, speakers at the event emphasised that the award not only recognises individual excellence but also reaffirms Assam’s collective commitment to protecting its diverse folk traditions amid rapid socio-cultural changes.
They further stated that personalities like Ratneswar Moran serve as living repositories of indigenous knowledge systems and therefore deserve institutional recognition and encouragement.
AASU instituted the Padmashree Pratima Barua Pandey Memorial Award to annually honour individuals who make remarkable contributions to folk culture, music, and traditions of Assam.
By honouring Ratneswar Moran this year, AASU reiterated its resolve to support grassroots cultural custodians and ensure that Assam’s rich cultural identity remains vibrant for future generations.