People of Value

Guwahati: Sankha Malakar

While some jeer this group of seven blind bards, others shed tears, touched by their dauntless spirit. The Shamtam Andra Sur Samalay guided by their team leader Sankha Malakar has strived to understand and imbibe the lessons of life.

The Samalay , that has always maintained the count of seven since its inspection in the year 1979, is a familiar sight at the Guwahati Railway Station. Though poverty is a faithful companion of the group, yet the members have never tried out the option of begging and have stuck to their pledge of earning a dignified living.

Yes, it is extremely difficult for them to make both ends meet at a time when the world has been fast changing. The audience for their folk songs has been dwindling over the years, thereby hitting the daily income of its members. “Now people have different taste. A few like to listen to our lokgeet ,” said Sankha.

The 40-year-old Sankha hails from Dimoria, Khetri and is skilled at plying the traditional instrument called dagar . A founder member of the Samalay , Sankha today leads a group of newcomers.

“All the other members have died. I was 12 when I joined the Samalay,” he said. He still remembers the days when he used to travel extensively across the State to perform at various stops. However, he stopped traveling after 1994.

He is full of gratitude for the late Tankeswar Das, his guru who taught him to play the dagar and sing. Now he is shouldering the responsibility of the legacy, that of teaching the newcomers.

Under the mentorship of Sankha, the new faces like Babul Pathak from Dhupdhara, Hitesh Chandra Nath from Chayygaon, Bibi Chandra Das from Bamunigaon and others are becoming experts at playing the dutara, dhol and dagar . “We are visually handicapped, but not our spirit is strong”, voiced Sankha.

All the members of the groups echo the same determination. They commit their endless desire to search for the colors of life despite being unable to see the colors of the world Source: Disabled youth creates awareness on AIDS. Indian Express, Chennai, 23 August 2005.

Source: Disabled youth creates awareness on AIDS. Indian Express, Chennai, 23 August 2005.