Relevance: GS II (Social Justice & Fundamental Rights) | Source: The Indian Express

Renowned folk artiste and Bihu dance expert Ranjit Gogoi was honoured with the 16th Moghai Ojah Award at a ceremony organised in Jorhat by the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad.

About the Moghai Ojah Award

The Moghai Ojah Award was instituted in 2011 by the Jorhat district unit of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad.

It commemorates the legendary Assamese folk musician Moghai Ojah.

The award is presented annually on 15 March, marking the death anniversary of Moghai Ojah.

The award includes:

A cash prize, a seleng chadar (traditional shawl), gamosa (traditional Assamese towel), japi (traditional conical hat), xorai (bell-metal offering vessel), a citation, and a memento.

These items represent the traditional cultural heritage of Assam.

About Moghai Ojah

Moghai Ojah is regarded as one of the greatest dhol — Assam’s iconic traditional drum — players in Assamese folk music.

Moghai Ojah (also known as Moghai Baruah), who lived from 1916 to 1978, was a legendary musician from Assam widely credited with bringing the Dhol to a global audience. Born in Naosolia village, Jorhat district, into the Keot community, he overcame financial hardship to become one of Assam’s most celebrated folk musicians.

Due to his extraordinary drumming skill, he came to be known as the “Oja of Dhol” — the master of the dhol. He was also associated with the Gananatya Sangha (IPTA), through which he worked alongside towering figures such as Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha, Nata-Surjya Phani Sharma, and Sudha-Kantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. He passed away on 15 March 1978.

Contributions

Elevated the Assamese dhol (traditional drum) to national and international recognition.

Played a crucial role in popularising Bihu music and dance traditions.

Also appeared in several films such as:

Pioli Phukan, Ranga Police, Pratidhwani, Mahut Bandhu Re (Bengali) and Maram Trishna

Other Recognitions

During the same programme:

The Moghai Ojah Educational Trust Award was presented to Puja Dutta, a student of Tezpur University.

The award provides monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 to support higher education.

Moghai Ojah Srijan Award (2015): Instituted by Srijanasom Trust, a charitable body promoting Indian art and culture.

Exam Hook ( Prelims)

Consider the following statements:

The Moghai Ojah Award recognises contributions to Assamese folk music and Bihu culture.
The award was instituted by the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad.
Moghai Ojah was known for his mastery of the Assamese dhol instrument.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (c)

One-line Wrap:

The Moghai Ojah Award celebrates the legacy of Assam’s legendary dhol maestro while promoting the preservation of traditional Bihu music and folk culture.