Thanga Darlong, revered as a maestro in playing the Rosem and a recipient of the Padma Shri award from Tripura, passed away on Sunday at the age of 103. He breathed his last at his residence in Maruibari ADC village, situated in Kailasahar under Unakoti district of Tripura.
Rosem is a bamboo made flute-like musical instrument. The centenarian maestro was awarded Padma Shri for his contribution in indigenous flute-based music.
He was suffering from age-related ailments for a long time and Darlong had been confined to bed for several days and was admitted to the Unakoti district hospital on November 14.
The news of Darlong’s demise prompted Kailashahar SDM Pradip Sarkar, accompanied by Deputy Magistrate Motilal Debbarma from the Kailasahar administration, to visit Darlong’s residence and pay their final respects.
As the report of ailing health condition of Thanga Darlong came to the knowledge of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, he directed the Unakoti administration to ensure all medical assistance.
His son, Sumaiah Darlong, conveyed that his father had been ailing for an extended period. Despite medical attention at the Unakoti district hospital until November 27, his health showed no signs of improvement. Subsequently, he was brought back to his residence on November 28.
According to deceased Padma awardee’s grandson, Darlong’s cremation is likely to held on Sunday night.
Expressing condolences, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha shared on his social media platform, “I am profoundly saddened by the loss of the esteemed Rosem player and Padma Shri awardee, Thanga Darlong. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the state’s cultural realm. My heartfelt sympathies to all mourning this loss. May the departed soul rest in peace, and may strength be bestowed upon the grieving families.”
The demise of Thanga Darlong marks the end of an era in Tripura’s musical heritage, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of many.