Tripura’s Thanga Darlong, the
last tribal musician to play Rosem – a bamboo-made flute-like musical
instrument, is among the 94 Padma Shri Awardees this year. Darlong was
conferred the award in the category of ‘centenarian’ for contribution in
flute-based music.
Congratulating the 99-year-old, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb
tweeted: “Heartiest greetings to Shri Thanga Darlong ji on being
conferred the Padma Shri Award. An exceptional musical genius from
Tripura, Shri Darlong has made exemplary efforts for nurturing the
indigenous culture of NorthEast especially the art of playing Rosem
musical instrument.”
Born on July 20, 1920 at Muruai village of Tripura, Darlong had
initial training in folk music from his father Hakvunga Darlong. He was
later taught and groomed in the nuances of playing Rosem by traditional
music maestro Darthuama Darlong.
Thanga Darlong has performed in numerous traditional festivals of his
community since childhood. He is also considered the most accomplished
performers of Rosem ever.
With the advent of modern musical instruments and penetration of
digitised music in the villages, traditional art and culture forms are
near extinct. He has also mentored a large number of young indigenous
protégés in the art of playing the instrument.
As part of his contribution to preservation of indigenous music in NE
India, Darlong was accorded Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2014. He has
also extensively travelled across India and abroad.
Darlong was also showcased in Tree of Tongues in Tripura’, directed by the National Awards winner Joshy Joseph in 2016.
Born on July 20, 1920 at Muruai village of Tripura, Darlong had initial training in folk music from his father Hakvunga Darlong.
