Veteran folk singer Ramchandra Sasoni from Dibrugarh has been conferred the prestigious Assam Gaurav Award by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in Guwahati on Thursday. The award recognizes Sasoni’s lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the tea tribe community through music.

Born on February 27, 1950, in Sepon Tea Estate, Dibrugarh, Sasoni developed a profound love for folk music from an early age. Despite facing financial hardships, he excelled academically and began his professional career in 1970 at the Dibrugarh Sub-Divisional Office of the Assam Tea Plantations Provident Fund Scheme.

His breakthrough in the music industry came in 1973 when he performed in the film Ratanlal, produced by the Assam Tea Workers’ Association. In 1975, he joined All India Radio (AIR) Dibrugarh as a temporary announcer for tea workers’ programs, playing a key role in broadcasting plays, musical features, and cultural commentaries.

Emphasizing the need to preserve the authenticity of Jhumur songs, Sasoni urged, “The traditional essence of Jhumur songs should not be distorted. It is our responsibility to maintain the poetic beauty of this rich musical tradition.”

The Assam Gaurav Award, the state’s third-highest civilian honor, carries a monetary reward of ₹3 lakh and celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to society.