NAMRUP, Jan 30 � Commemorating the birth anniversary of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, the All Assam Students� Union (AASU) observed Silpi Divas centrally at Jyotikhetra, Naharkatia HS School playground, under the auspices of the Dibrugarh district unit of AASU in collaboration with local people with a two-day programme.
The main mancha, named after Dr Bhupen Hazarika, was inaugurated by Dr Kalyan Baruah, principal of Naharkatia College. It was followed by art competition among schoolchildren. Under the Gyanarun Jyoti programme, �Grantha Bipani� was opened by Dr Mahendra Borpujari, a noted writer of the Ramdhenu era. The first day�s programme ended with a grand cultural function titled �Jon-Jonak�.
On the second day, the programme began with the hoisting of AASU flag by its president Sankar Prasad Rai. In his speech, Rai dwelt at length on the present-day relevance of Jyotiprasad and Bishnu Rabha. He said AASU has taken initiatives to strengthen the foundation laid by Rupkonwar and Kalaguru firmly among the future generation.
AASU general secretary Tapan Gogoi then initiated swahid tarpan while AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya garlanded the portrait of Rupkonwar and delivered a brief, lucid speech.
The open session held on the occasion was chaired by the AASU president. Dr Nagen Saikia, former president of Asam Sahitya Sabha, and Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya were the appointed speakers at the session. A host of dignitaries, including Jayashree Chaliha, daughter of Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, were present in the meeting. In the open session, AASU accorded warm felicitation to the eight notable persons of the Dibrugarh district for their creative works.
The two-day programme ended with a glittering cultural nite inaugurated by Dr Anil Baruah, principal of Moran College. The function witnessed participation of a host of Assamese artistes and singers.
