The iconic Hajagiri dancer and Padma Shri awardee, Satyaram Reang, breathed his last Monday morning at the age of 85.
Satyaram Reang, who hailed from Santirbazar in South Tripura district, was a prominent figure among the Janajati communities of Tripura and known for his unwavering dedication to Hajagiri dance.
He had been suffering from old age related ailments for an extended period, and his demise has left a profound void in the cultural landscape of Tripura.
Chief Minister of Tripura Dr Manik Saha, Union MoS Pratima Bhowmik, Rajya Sabha MP from Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb, State Co-op Minister Sukla Charan Noatia and others expressed deep grief over his demise. Cultural fraternity of Tripura also mourned his death.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha expressed deep grief over his passing, underscoring Reang’s significant role in presenting Tripura’s Janajati folk dance, Hajagiri, to the world.
Satyaram Reang’s legacy extended beyond his mesmerizing dance performances. He had founded a school to promote Hajagiri dance, where he tirelessly taught the art to the youth, fostering its preservation and growth, not only within the state but also on an international scale.
For his outstanding contributions, he was previously honored with the prestigious Sangeet Nataka Academy Award by the Government of India.
In his condolence message, Dr Manik Saha acknowledged Reang’s unique role in promoting Hajagiri dance and ensuring its enduring legacy. He offered prayers for the departed soul and strength to the grieving family.
Union Minister of State Pratima Bhowmik also expressed deep grief and paid tribute to the legendary artist of traditional Hajagiri dance.
She offered her condolences and prayers for the departed soul, emphasizing Reang’s invaluable contributions to the art form.
In a social media post, Bhowmik said, people of Tripura and the world will always remember his contributions in popularizing the art of Hojagiri Dance in the global arena.
She extended a heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
MP Biplab Kumar Deb recalled Satyaram Reang as one of the pioneers of the traditional Hajagiri dance which is inseparable from Tripura’s rich cultural heritage.
Deb underscored Reang’s unparalleled contributions in taking Tripura’s folk culture to a national and international platform, ensuring that his memory remains etched in the hearts of many.
Today, as Tripura mourns the loss of Satyaram Reang, his indelible mark on the development and global presentation of the traditional Hajagiri dance will forever be cherished by the people of the state and the world, the cultural fraternity of the State commented.