Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book on Bhawaiya Folk Tradition

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan has released the book “Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto” (Bhawaiya: A Cultural Treasure and Its Historical Journey) at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The book celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Bhawaiya, a traditional folk music genre of North Bengal, Assam, and adjoining regions, while emphasizing the importance of preserving India’s diverse folk traditions.

The Vice President highlighted that safeguarding India’s cultural heritage is essential for strengthening the country’s civilizational identity and passing its rich traditions on to future generations.

Book Release Ceremony: Overview

About the Book

The book, authored by Lok Sabha MP Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy and Ms. Sangita Roy, traces the historical journey and cultural significance of Bhawaiya, one of eastern India’s most prominent folk music traditions.

It documents the evolution of the musical genre while highlighting its close connection with the traditions, customs, and daily lives of people living in North Bengal, Assam, and neighbouring regions.

The publication also brings into focus the cultural contributions of the Koch Rajbanshi community, which has played an important role in preserving and promoting the Bhawaiya tradition over generations.

The Vice President congratulated the authors for bringing this valuable cultural heritage into the national mainstream and appreciated publisher Katha-O-Kahini for documenting an important aspect of India’s folk legacy.

Significance of Bhawaiya Folk Music

During his address, Vice President Radhakrishnan described Bhawaiya as a reflection of the emotions, aspirations, struggles, and wisdom of ordinary people.

He noted that the book presents a fresh perspective on the origin and development of the folk tradition while explaining how it has been shaped by:

• Religious practices
• Agricultural customs
• Seasonal festivals
• Rural community life
• Social traditions

These elements have collectively contributed to the unique identity of Bhawaiya music.

Music as India’s Cultural Heritage

Highlighting the deep roots of music in Indian civilization, the Vice President referred to:

• Sama Veda
• The philosophy of Nada Brahma
• The traditions of Bhakti
• Sufism

He stated that music has always been regarded as a pathway to spiritual realization and cultural unity in India.

He further observed that India’s ancient cultural traditions continue to offer meaningful solutions to contemporary global challenges, citing the worldwide acceptance of Yoga and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as examples.

Call for Cultural Preservation

The Vice President urged the younger generation to actively participate in preserving India’s cultural heritage.

He encouraged them to use modern technology to document and safeguard:

• Regional languages
• Folk traditions
• Customs
• Cultural values
• Traditional knowledge systems

He emphasized that cultural confidence and awareness of India’s civilizational heritage are essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Unity in Diversity

Speaking on India’s cultural diversity, the Vice President remarked that the nation’s greatest strength lies in its diverse languages, traditions, and communities united by a shared civilizational spirit.

He reaffirmed the country’s unity with the statement:

“Bharat is one and shall remain one forever.”

Dignitaries Present

Several distinguished personalities attended the book release ceremony, including:

• Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla
• Co-authors Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy and Ms. Sangita Roy
• Former Vice-Chancellor of Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, Prof. (Dr.) Nikhil Chandra Ray
• Publisher Debraj Patra

Significance of the Book

The release of “Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto” is an important step toward preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage. By documenting the history and evolution of Bhawaiya folk music, the book contributes to greater awareness and appreciation of regional art forms while ensuring that future generations remain connected to India’s rich cultural traditions.