HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 17: The Shilpi Divas- the death anniversary of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala was observed in various parts of Assam on Thursday.
Various social and cultural organisations of Guwahati observed Shilpi Divas with elaborate arrangements. Special programmes like competitions on Jyoti Sangeet, seminar were also organised to mark the occasion.
The day was observed in Royal Global University (RGU) here. Jnanashree Agarwalla Pathak, daughter of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwallawa attended the function as the chief guest. The programme started with the playing of state anthem, ‘Oomuraaponardekh’ followed by a Jyoti Sangeet performed by students. RGU vice chancellor Dr. SP Singh, faculties Dr. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta and Dr. B Banerjee were also present on the occasion.
In her speech, Jnanashree Agarwalla Pathak remembered her father’s contribution to the literature and culture of Assam and said that she was quite happy to interact with the students. She narrated his trials and tribulations in his short yet extremely enlightened life. Besides being a father, he was an excellent cook who made Chinese food for his daughters, read to them on culture and literature, he took his daughters on tours across Assam and prodded them to excel in all they did.
She journeyed his life of being a noted Assamese playwright, songwriter, poet, writer and film maker who became the cultural icon. Who is deeply revered for his creative vision and output and is popularly called the Rupkonwar. She also spoke on how he always emphasised to ingrain the Assamese socio-culture in all his work Joymoti, brought out the best of Assamese culture in the movie and she chronicled how he struggled to find his actress Aideu Handique and subsequent brick bats he faced. But, his determination and clarity on his multi-cultural dimension, paved the way to success in all he did. She stood proud to be his daughter and stated how his death, preceded by her mother’s, left them struggling.
In his address, VC Dr. SP Singh described Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla as ‘Rupkonwar- The Prince of Enlightment’.
In Kokrajhar, the Shilpi Divas was observed at Sangkhardev Sishu Bidya Niketan. Students and teachers offered floral tributes to the portrait of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala on the occasion. A series of competitions on Jyoti Sangeet, and poem recitation was also organised on the occasion.
Biswajit Nath from Kokrajhar Science College attended the programme as chief guest. The principal of the school, Mridul Nath was also present on the occasion.
In Golaghat, the day was observed at Golaghat Jatiya Vidyalaya. To mark the occasion students performed Jyoti Sangeet and recited poems of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwalla. Three newly-constructed classrooms were also inaugurated on the occasion.
The day was also observed by cultural department of Golaghat District Congress Committee at Bengenakhowa. The programme started with lighting of a lamp by educationist Arun Kheria.
