In a grand event held at the Assam Book Fair premises today, Rainsoft unveiled the 16th edition of the widely celebrated ‘Utpal-Dhanjit Calendar.’ This year’s edition expresses honour to the legendary Assamese actor, Mridula Baruah, marking her remarkable career spanning over four decades.
Mridula Baruah, who commenced her journey in the world of acting in 1979, graced the launch ceremony, radiating passion and dedication. The event was made even more special as young actor Udayan Duwara, on behalf of Rainsoft, extended warm greetings to the iconic artist. In her address, Mridula Baruah expressed initial hesitancy about featuring in the calendar but found the final result encouraging.
The calendar, known for showcasing captivating photographs, features the works of prominent photographers such as Homen Bargohain, Dipali Barthakur, Birendra Nath Dutta, Birubala Rava, and more. Renowned recitation artist Shri Aboni Bora, who moderated the program, highlighted the cultural significance of these photographs, now considered public property and utilized across various media platforms in Assam.
The central theme of the ‘Utpal-Dhanjit Calendar’ revolves around individuals defining themselves through their work, captured through the lens of Utpal Datta. Datta, an integral figure in Assamese media, shared his journey from a photographer to influential roles in Aakashbani and universities. He reminisced about capturing Mridula Baruah’s first photo in 1983 and, after four decades, presenting a second captivating image in the 2023 edition.
The calendar, described as an annual festival, sees enthusiastic participation from various personalities, contributing their services without charge. Dhanjit Das, the designer of the calendar emphasized that the photos, distributed to Assam’s media houses, don’t incur royalties, except for crediting the photographer. These timeless images continue to find a place in various publications across the region.
The launch event witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Pramod Kalita, Secy Assam Publications Board, retired IAS officer Sanjeev Gohain Barua, writer Namrata Datta, and film director Hemant Kumar Das, Rosy Bora, Achinta Sankar, Prabal Khaund, journalist Mihir Deuri, Pulin Kalita, Sibanu Bora and social activist Meghamala Chaudhury etc. The ‘Utpal-Dhanjit Calendar’ is now available for collection at the Rainsoft office at Rajgarh.
Photo Rituraj Gogoi
