Assam CM Honors Cultural Icon Bishnu Prasad Rabha on Bishnu Rabha Divas
Celebrating Bishnu Rabha Divas
Assam CM at the observance of Bishnu Rabha Diwas in Guwahati on Saturday (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)
Guwahati, June 20: On Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma honored the legacy of Assam's cultural figure Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha during the Bishnu Rabha Divas celebrations, presenting Assam's esteemed awards to four notable individuals.
The Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha Award was awarded to renowned dance artist Manik Borbayan and painter Madhusudhan Das. The Sati Sadhani Award went to Padma Shri recipient Geeta Upadhyay, while Mohammed Samsuddin Ahmed received the National Ajan Peer Award.
Speaking at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati, Sarma emphasized that this event was not only a tribute to Rabha's legacy but also a reaffirmation of his principles of humanity, cultural equality, and social harmony.
"We gather today not just to honor Kalaguru's legacy but to renew our commitment to his vision of humanity and a harmonious society. Bishnu Prasad Rabha is a beacon of Assam's pride, whose works have inspired society even in challenging times," Sarma remarked.
Reflecting on Rabha's impactful life, the Chief Minister noted how the revolutionary artist merged creativity with social awareness, dedicating himself to the welfare of the common people.
Sarma highlighted Rabha's journey from his early days in Dhaka and student activism in Kolkata to his cultural and social contributions in Assam, which were characterized by both struggle and creativity.
Describing Rabha as a versatile figure, Sarma mentioned that he drew inspiration from greats like Leonardo da Vinci, Lord Krishna, and Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva.
"Like Da Vinci, he excelled in various artistic fields. He opposed injustice like Lord Krishna, while Sankardeva represented his highest spiritual and social ideals," he stated.
Sarma added that Rabha envisioned a more inclusive Assam where all communities and tribes had equal opportunities and representation. He believed that true freedom could not be achieved without uplifting marginalized groups.
The awardees were previously announced by the state government in recognition of their significant contributions to culture, arts, and social service.
Earlier that day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the new central office building and student hostel of the All Assam Chutia Students' Union at Sadhani Bhawan in Guwahati. He described the facility as a representation of the aspirations, identity, and collective strength of the Chutia community.
Sarma emphasized that the hostel would serve students and visitors in the city for educational purposes, reiterating that education is the cornerstone for community growth and cultural preservation.