Debojit Saha performs at the AASU programme. File picture

Voice of India Debojit Saha speaks about his association with AASU

The first episode of my new musical reality show has been aired. And if you have viewed it, I am sure you must have enjoyed the new style.

However, it is not about this show that I am writing today. It is more about another “show” which I attended on Friday night in a small place called Barka, just outside Guwahati.

The occasion was the annual conference of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and its adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya had insisted that I attend the function and perform.

My association with AASU goes back several years now and I have always been very grateful for the organisation’s support during my SaReGaMaPa days on Zee TV.

I have always acknowledged that its support and backing — which mobilised people’s votes for me — had a big hand in my winning the contest.

But that was in the past. Now the association has become an emotional bonding. Though I had several assignments lined up in Mumbai, I could not refuse the invitation to Barka. But I did request a change in the day of performance so that I could return to Mumbai on time. Though the performance was originally planned for Saturday, it was advanced by a day. So there I was, amidst several thousand young people on a cold December night.

It was a grand conference and I was surprised to see so many local people involved in making the AASU function a success.

I sang many songs, most of them Assamese — starting from my favourite Parajanamar subha laganat by Bishnu Rabha. I also sang such golden oldies like Jonome morone moi ajibon Asomiya, Asomire sutalote, sung many years ago by Mohd Rafi and Bhupen Hazarika’s immortal O bideshi bondhu from the film Chameli Memsaab.

However, requests for Bihu and Hindi songs came in from the crowd very soon and I had to oblige.

One of the reasons why I feel very happy performing at such functions is the fact that I get to sing in front of people from all over the state. And it gives also me the opportunity to send across the message of unity in Assamese society. As a singer, I feel we have a social obligation to carry the message of peace and unity to the people. And such functions are always the perfect platform.

I had to rush back to Mumbai to shoot for the next episode of the musical show. As you all know, we are part of the team call Shaan’s Strikers. I certainly hope you will follow it and support me the way you have always done.