HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 17: The Geetanagar Shatadal Sahitya Sabha in Guwahati observed the 73rd Silpi Divas with a solemn tribute program on its premises. On this occasion, the current president of the Satadal Sabha, Padumi Pathak, hoisted the flag of the Assam Sahitya Sabha.
Vandana Hazarika, the cultural secretary, offered tribute to the martyrs, while Anju Raut lit the ceremonial lamp and offered floral tributes to the portrait of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala.
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Other dignitaries present included the secretary of the Sabha, Swapna Devi Sharma, vice-president Dandirama Kakoti, and assistant secretary Dhanojit Pathak. President Padumi Pathak provided a brief overview of the life and works of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, emphasising the importance of his contributions to art and culture. She also encouraged the younger generation to foster a love for the motherland and nature.
The event was enriched by performances of Jyoti Sangeet and concluded with a celebration of Bhogali Bihu, featuring traditional offerings like pitha, laru, chira, doi, and mah prasad, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
Our Golaghat Correspondent adds: Golaghat district administration in association with the department of the cultural affairs, the government of Assam observed Silpi Divas remembering the cultural icon of Assam Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwalla on his 73th death anniversary at Samannay khetra on Friday. On this occasion , one time financial grant of Rs 50,000.00 ( Barxik Silpi Sanman 2024-2025) by the Governor of Assam was awarded to Junmoni Neog (Singer), Bipul Bora ( folk culture), Jogeswar Mahanta (sattriya dance), Aman Ahmed (singer), Lokeswar Gogoi ( Mridongia Bayan), Siddheswar Neog (Sculpture), Birendra Bora ( Singer), Puneswar Dutta ( Dhulia) and Jiten Borah ( Traditional singer).Moreover, regular Silpi Pension of Rs 8,000.00 per month has been awarded to Siva Prasad Sarma Thakur ( Folk song) and Khanjan Nath ( performing Arts).
Finance minister Ajanta Neog, agriculture minister Atul Bora, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa , Sarupther MLA Biswajit Phukan, Dergaon MLA Bhabendra Nath Bharali, MLA Khumtai Mrinal Saikia, film historian Parthajit Barua among the few dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Our Tezpur Correspondent adds: On the occasion of “Silpi Divas” observed in fond memory of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala on his death anniversary, a daylong program was organised at Jyoti Bharati (Poki), Tezpur under the aegis of the directorate of cultural affairs. The programme began with a tribute ceremony in the morning. MLA Tezpur LAC, Prithiraj Rava, accompanied by district commissioner Ankur Bharali and Aparup Agarwala, nephew of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the tribute lamp and offering floral tributes at the statue of the legendary artist at Poki.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Rava referred to Jyoti Prasad Agarwala as one of the architects of modern Assam. He reminisced about Rupkonwar’s contributions to Assamese cinema as the director and producer of the first Assamese film, Joymoti, released in 1935. Rava also shared anecdotes highlighting the close bond between Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rava. He emphasized that the works of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala not only connect us to our past but also inspire a vision for the future.
Paying tribute to the great Assamese artist, District Commissioner Ankur Bharali, expressed that it was a privilege to observe this revered day at Poki, the home of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. Bharali remarked that culture is dynamic, not static, it is imperative to revive and remember the contributions of luminaries like Rupkonwar for a richer cultural future. He also commended the younger generation for keeping the works of the legendary artist alive in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Tezpur University on Friday observed Silpi Divas, the death anniversary of the legendary Assamese cultural icon, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, by paying floral tributes to the doyen. The University community gathered in front of the administrative building and offered floral tribute to the bust of the cultural icon of the state.
Expressing the significance of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala’s contributions to Assamese culture, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, vice chancellor of the University said that Silpi Divas serves as an important occasion for the University community to remember and celebrate the enduring legacy of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and his invaluable contributions to Assamese society. It is worth mentioning that the Tezpur University main gate is designed based on a sketch by Jyoti Prasad Agarwala.
