Saurabh Kumar Chaliha’s ‘Ayurekha’ Showcased at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Aikyatan

 In 1976, the visionary writer, journalist and playwright Pabitra Kumar Deka founded Aikyatan, which has evolved into a prominent cultural haven in Guwahati. Today, this cornerstone of Guwahati’s cultural scene celebrates its 50th anniversary, having stood the test of time with resilience and grace. Since its inception, Aikyatan has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural framework of Assam. Even in the absence of its founder, Pabitra Kumar Deka, its impactful contributions continue to thrive in a revitalised form, thanks to the endeavours of his sons, cine-journalist Prantik Deka and filmmaker Prodyut Kumar Deka, alongside a vibrant community of ardent cultural aficionados. This year, as Aikyatan marks its Golden Jubilee, a festive spirit permeates the atmosphere. The future appears to be bright, encouraging fans and enthusiasts to eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.

            During this momentous occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebration, Aikyatan showcased ‘Ayurekha’, the sole one-act play written by Saurabh Kumar Chaliha, the artisan of Assamese short stories. This performance took place on the evenings of February 13th and 14th at the New Art Players Auditorium in Guwahati, a venue filled with enthusiasm as it featured two consecutive evening shows of the play.

            In the contemporary scientific era, playwright Saurabh Kumar Chaliha adeptly utilises satire to highlight the lingering influence of traditional beliefs, particularly those surrounding palmistry and the interpretation of life lines. This practice still captivates many, even with modern scientific insights. Through his sharp wit and clever dialogues, Chaliha invites audiences to reconsider the validity of such superstitions. The play demonstrates that individuals who adhere to superstitious beliefs continue to subscribe to the notion that their destinies are preordained by the characteristics of their palm lines. This perspective underscores the irrationality of permitting such beliefs to govern one’s life decisions. The play serves as both a critique of superstition and a call to embrace rational thought, fostering an environment where constructive discussions can thrive. Both the days’ performances of the play were a captivating experience for the audience, enlivening the stage with their engaging and immersive storytelling.

            Under the perceptive direction of Pradyut Kumar Deka, the play’s potential was vividly expressed. The audience found themselves enveloped in an atmosphere of quiet admiration during both evenings of the performance. The performers, through their impeccable portrayals, effectively realised Deka’s intricate directorial vision on stage. The seamless performances by Anupam Arindam Goswami, Atonu Kashyap, Rakesh Ranjan Das and Amal Chakraborty significantly enhanced the enjoyment of the play. Furthermore, the music composed by Rahul Das, along with Pona Kalita’s lighting and Sanku Baruah’s fitting makeup design, contributed to a harmonious flow throughout the entire performance.

            Prior to the performance of the play, the audience was entranced by the mime artistry of Moinul Haque, an integral figure of Aikyatan and a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. The portrayals of Assamese social life, conveyed through mime, held the audience’s attention on both evenings. The engaging vignettes, which illustrated various aspects of Assamese social life, elicited both laughter and contemplation, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience at the New Art Players Auditorium.

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