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First Bihu Samragyi - "Dr. Rupa Deka Pator' (1985) |
The graceful and yet peppy gyrations of the 'Bihu' dance makes it the crowning glory of the 'Bihu' festival of Assam, North-East, India and several 'Nasonis' (dancers) from all across the state gear up from months ahead to be part of the festival. This participation may be through various competitions or through 'Husoris' or other forms of performance in various events. Over the years, the competitions held across the state have earned prominence among the 'Bihu boliya' Assamese/Indigenous people and clinching a title is considered a feather in the cap. The most prestigious of these competitions is the 'Bihu Samragyi' and the first dancer to claim the title was "Dr. Rupa Deka Pator". A 'Nasoni' by passion and an academic by profession, there was no title that Rupa left unclaimed before crowning herself with the one that is considered the most illustrious.
Born in Noonmati to father Late "Naren Chandra Deka (Pator)" and mother Late "Upama Deka (Pator)", Rupa had a culturally rich upbringing where the process of grooming her talent had begun at a tender age. Rupa’s mother, who was also her teacher, took to training her at the tender age of 5 when she underwent 'Sattriya' dance training and soon her grace did not go unnoticed. By the time she had reached 7th grade 'Dholiya Oja' - "Dilip Gogoi' came looking for her wanting to make her a part of his group named 'Janat Silpi Sangha'. Thus began her journey of conquering the hearts of the people at the 'Bihutolis' across the state through her spectacular 'Bihu' dance.
“Since I had my basic training in 'Sattriya' my Bihu moves would reflect the classical dance form but under his guidance I learn't the true art of 'Bihu' dance. We underwent such severe training; our bodies became almost like those spring dolls. However, I consider my mother to be my first teacher; my parents encouraged me throughout,” Rupa mentioned.
Least aware of the laurels that she was going to achieve in the years to come, 'Rupa' participated in the 'Bihu Konwori' competition in 'Azara' in 1980 and claimed the title in her very first attempt. Like it is said, winning takes talent, to repeat takes character, 'Rupa' stands as the best example of the saying. After attaining her first ever 'Bihu Konwori' title the eminent 'Nasoni' never looked back and went on a spree of claiming titles at every possible competition that took place in the city. She carved her name in the trophies of every 'Bihu' she went to, be it 'Chandmari, Noonmati, Bharalumukh', or any other 'Bihutoli' that held such competitions. While in some 'Bihus' she claimed the titles multiple times others barred her from participating a second time. Next in the books was the biggest title a 'Nasoni' can ever take a shot at. It was in 1985 that the 'Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani' organised the first ever competition of 'Bihu Samragyi' and at the age of 15 'Rupa' made history in 'Bihu' by becoming the first ever to achieve the title from among close to 50 participants.
“My mother used to take me to the 'Bihu Rani' and 'Bihu Konwari' competitions where I saw dancers such as 'Manisha Das' and 'Madhurima Choudhury' and she used to tell me that I have to be a dancer like them. When the first 'Bihu Samragyi' took place I became the first to claim the title. Although I had claimed the most illustrious title the urge to perform in more competitions still remained. Also I did not have the maturity level to properly react to the felicitation ceremonies. At a very young age I had to take the seat of a judge and besides my parents, there were several others like 'Maheshwar Baruah', 'Dilip Gogoi', my Guru in 'Sattriya Nritya, Ghanshyam Hazarika Deb' who groomed me and helped me through,” the first ever 'Bihu Samragyi' said.
Winning the title changed her life by leaps and bounds. At an age when she was willing to participate in competitions, she had to judge others and coach others during workshops. 'Rupa' lapsed into nostalgia while talking about 'Maheshwar Baruah' who was a father figure to her and accompanied her to workshops across the state.
A teenager with a simple background where art walks hand in hand with culture 'Rupa' started receiving movie offers. However, while 'Rupa’s' parents were very encouraging about her art form they induced in her the consciousness of education at the same time. Rather than chasing the glamour of the films 'Rupa' choose to pursue her education and like her knack in 'Bihu' Dance she had equal forte in academics. Following her HSLC, 'Rupa' went on to join 'Cotton College' and obtained a first class degree and Masters in Assamese. The degree was followed by a Ph.D.
'Rupa’s' eyes turned misty while sharing the story of her mother who wished to see her donned in the white coat of doctors but 'Rupa' had other dreams to chase. “My mother wanted me to be a doctor while I always wished to be a teacher. She was upset on hearing my plan but I convinced her and promised her that I will get the doctorate title for her one day. The day when I got the degree she was so happy that she wanted to display a nameplate at the entrance of my house. She herself went and got the nameplate made. I stronglybelieve that one can be academically sound and pursue their passion at the same time. All we need is inspira-tion,” the professor mentioned.
'Rupa' is an associate professor of 'Gauhati Commerce College' and has been associated with the institution since 1995. Very few people know that professor 'Dr. Rupa Deka Pator is a 'Tiwa' lady. She took Ph.D. on the Subject – "Tiwa Samaj & Sanskriti" on 2005. She got the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) & completed her Ph.D. Respectively. And with the help of the ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of INDIA, and Welfare of Plains Tribes & Backward Classes Department, Government Of Assam, had provided the financial assistance to her for publication of the book – “Tiwa Samaj Aru Sanskritir Acherenga” sucessfully. She was the first Ph. D. holder woman of 'Tiwa (Lalung)' community. Moreover she has several books to her name. She wrote a poetry book in 'Tiwa' language on year 2016. Along with serving her passion for Bihu and profession of being a teacher, 'Rupa' is also a part of a happy family with husband 'Dilip Sarmah' and is blessed with two children.
Books of "Dr. Rupa Deka Pator":
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| “Top Honga Mai” (Tiwa Poem Book), Language - Assamese & Tiwa |
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