Celebrating Silpi Divas: Honoring the Legacy of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala

A Day of Remembrance and Cultural Celebration

Dibrugarh, Jan 18: The observance of Silpi Divas, marking the death anniversary of the esteemed cultural figure Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, took place on Saturday at Jyoti Tirtha, his birthplace situated within the historic Tamulbari tea estate.

This year, as in previous years, the event attracted participants from literary groups, cultural organizations, tea estate management, students, and local community members, all coming together to honor one of the key figures in modern Assamese culture.

The day commenced with floral offerings at the statue of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala located at his ancestral home.

Various leaders and members from different organizations, alongside literary personalities and media representatives, paid their respects by laying flowers and lighting traditional lamps at the statue. The management of the Tamulbari tea estate, led by welfare officer Ambeswar Gogoi, along with schoolchildren from the estate, were the first to present floral tributes, initiating the day’s commemorative activities.

To enrich the homage, children from the tea estate performed Jyoti Sangeet, the songs created by the legendary artist, at the venue.

Students, including Deepali Tanti, took the opportunity to reflect on Agarwala’s significant contributions to Assamese language, literature, music, cinema, and theatre.

They also voiced concerns regarding the insufficient preservation and development of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala’s birthplace and heritage home.

The Luitporiya Branch Sahitya Sabha, Dibrugarh, in partnership with the Marwari Sanmelan, Dibrugarh Branch, organized a brief commemorative event at the heritage residence.

Continuing a cherished tradition, Atma Ram Agarwala distributed photographs of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala to attendees, encouraging them to display these portraits in their homes and workplaces as a tribute and source of inspiration.

Across the state, Silpi Divas, marking the 73rd death anniversary of the iconic artist, was also celebrated in Kampur, Nagaon, with great respect. This event was co-hosted by the Revati Mohan Barathakur Foundation and Kampur Lekhika Samaroh at the foundation’s office.

Students from Kampur captivated the audience with performances of Jyoti Sangeet. The foundation also recognized 14 young individuals from Kampur who recently excelled in the SSC examination.

In Gauripur, the Asom Sahitya Sabha branch commemorated Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala with a series of events on Saturday, beginning with floral tributes at Agarwala’s bust along Jyoti Prasad Path by the Gadadhar river. A memorial meeting followed at the branch’s temporary office in the Gauripur Public Library.

The Dhubri Branch Sahitya Sabha also marked the day with a full schedule of activities, including a flag hoisting by Udayan Chakraborty and a Jyoti Sangeet competition across three groups. The memorial meeting saw participation from numerous former presidents and members.

In Morigaon, the district administration, in collaboration with the District Education Department and the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), observed the day with enthusiasm and solemnity.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Apurba Thakuriya, Inspector of Schools, Morigaon, alongside Kishore Kumar Das, principal of DIET, Morigaon, and a well-known artist. Dr. Thakuriya emphasized the significant impact of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala on Assamese art and culture, urging students to draw inspiration from his life and ideals.

During a time when Assamese language and culture faced considerable challenges from anti-Assamese forces, a young Jyotiprasad Agarwala emerged as a steadfast protector of heritage. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Basanta Kumar Goswami, president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, during the central observance of Silpi Divas.

Speaking at Baihata Chariali, under the auspices of the Baihata Chariali Satadal Sahitya Sabha and in collaboration with the Kamrup District Sahitya Sabha, Dr. Goswami referred to Agarwala as a ‘physician’ who healed the ‘ailment’ afflicting Assamese culture.

“When the Assamese language was overlooked even in drama, a young Jyotiprasad resolutely incorporated Assamese words and dialogues into his works. We cannot envision our culture today without his contributions,” Dr. Goswami remarked.

Agarwala’s daughters, Satyashree Agarwala Das and Gyanashree Agarwala Pathak, were present as chief guests, sharing personal anecdotes and memories of their father.

Tributes flowed for the distinguished dramatist, poet, filmmaker, and writer Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala on his death anniversary, celebrated statewide as Silpi Divas, at Zubeen Garg Kshetra, Titabar, in Jorhat district.

Palash Changmai, president of the state AJYCP, highlighted Agarwala’s extensive contributions to Assamese culture and literature during the centrally organized program for the occasion.

Describing Agarwala as a visionary who made significant contributions to the state’s cultural and literary landscape in his brief life, Changmai urged everyone to uphold Agarwala's ideals and preserve his legacy.