HT Correspondent
NAGAON, June 20: In sync with the rest of the state, numerous educational institutions and socio-cultural organisations in the district observed ‘Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha Diwas’ with a day-long programme. Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya (MSSV), Sadau Asom Gramya Puthibharal Sanstha, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad, and various educational institutions paid tribute to the revered cultural icon through floral offerings and organised a series of singing and music competitions dedicated to Bishnu Rabha, involving students from schools and colleges.
The departments of Sociology, Education, and Economics at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya arranged a programme focused on the life and achievements of Bishnu Rabha. Dr Jogal Kharghoria, head of the department of Mathematics, MSSV, and Dr Bichitra Vikash, deputy registrar (Academic), delivered keynote speeches. Dr Triveni Saikia, head of the department of Education, and Dr Sikhamoni Sarma recited poems.
Notably, esteemed professors like Dr Ajit Devnath, Dr Karabi Konch, Dr Pinku Muktiar, and other teachers performed songs and music to celebrate the renowned cultural figure. The event was hosted by Biju Moni Bora, assistant professor in the department of Sociology.
Likewise, Sadau Asom Gramya Puthibharal Sanstha, a prominent NGO in the state, joined hands with Sankarjyoti Sakha Sahitya Sabha, Nagaon Zila Puthibharal Sanstha, and Netaji Vidyapith to observe the day through a comprehensive programme. The event commenced with the garlanding of Kalaguru’s portrait, followed by a commemorative programme at the school campus of Netaji Vidyapith. The session, chaired by Shashid Dev Mahanta, shed light on the life and contributions of ‘Kalaguru’ Bishnu Rabha, with speeches from Bhaben Bora, the editor of the Assamese weekly ‘Kolongpar’, Balladev Sarma, central secretary of Sadau Asom Gramya Puthibharal Sanstha, Khagen Chandra Nath, artist Punyada Bora, and Apurba Sarma. The vote of thanks was delivered by Rupa Muktiar, head of Netaji Vidyapith, according to a press release.
The Dimaruguri Anchalik body of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad also celebrated the occasion at the Telia Pohukata Bezkomarchuk open auditorium. The youth organisation conducted a series of singing and music competitions dedicated to Bishnu Rabha, featuring students from various educational institutions. Over a hundred students participated in the competitions held throughout the day, as stated in another press note issued this afternoon.
Our Biswanath Chariali correspondent adds: In observance of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha Diwas, various events were held in Biswanath to mark the death anniversary of the legendary artist. Following the directives from the education department, a two-day program was organised to celebrate Rabha Diwas. Educational institutions, including DIET Sonitpur, Biswanath College, Biswanath Chariali HS & MP School, Biswanath Chariali Girls’ HSS, Chariali Academy, Biswanath Gyan Bharati Public School, Dakhin Nagsakar HS, and all LP and MV schools under the Biswanath Education Block, participated in the celebrations. Dakhin Nagsakar HS, a prominent educational institution in the greater Jamugurihat area, organised a day-long program chaired by Ballav Chapagain, the school’s headmaster. The event began with floral tributes to the portrait of Bishnu Prasad Rabha by Lila Kanta Sarma, retired headmaster of the school. Pranab Ojha, president of Sootea Press Club and a journalist from Sootea, delivered a speech focusing on Rabha’s life, works, and contributions. The school also felicitated ten meritorious students who recently passed the HSLC examination, along with presenting memorial awards from donors Balakrishna Dahal, late Taranidhi Upadhyaya, Bhabani Sarma, and Ghanashyam Sarma. The gathering also featured addresses by Chandra Kanta Sarma, retired founder headmaster, Bhabani Sarma, Balakrishna Dahal. Anjan Baskota, an assistant teacher at Dakhin Nagsankar HS, conducted the proceedings.
Our Sivasagar correspondent adds: The Bishnu Rabha Diwas was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Sivasagar Yuva Dal Auditorium by Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner Aditya Vikram Yadav. In his address, Yadav highlighted the significance of the present generation of Assamese youths engaging in activities that uplift the underprivileged. Poet Rajiv Bora’s composition on Bishnu Rabha was recited by Dr Saumerjyoti Mahanta, accompanied by Anudhriti Mahanta, a talented violinist, performing Rabha’s soul-stirring song ‘Para janamar…’. Various cultural organisations mesmerised the audience with their vibrant performances showcasing Rabha’s songs and dances.
The Hindu Dharma Namghar celebrated the day with a captivating cultural program organised by Natyapeeth, a renowned theatrical organisation. Dr Dilip Das and Natyapeeth president Prasanta Sarma hosted the event, shedding light on Bishnu Prasad Rabha’s influential role as a cultural activist. Pragya Parmita, Aneswa Das, Darsika Nandini, and a group of children presented enchanting songs and captivating dances.
At Fuleswari Girls’ HS, guest speaker Rumin Barua delivered an insightful talk on Rabha’s life and achievements, followed by a delightful cultural program performed by the talented students.
In Darikapar, the Sadau Asom Gramya Sambadik Santha commemorated the day with an extensive program that lasted throughout the day. Trailukya Chetia, president of the Gramya Sambadik Santha, and Bhubaneswar Chutia, president of the organising committee, raised flags during the event. Writer Dipali Bhattacharjya and Dr Pradip Konwar addressed the public gathering, inspiring all present with their words of wisdom.
