GUWAHATI, June 20 � Tributes were paid to the memory of Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha by the people of Panjabari at Panjabari College under the aegis of Brihattar Panjabari Sahitya Sabha today.
The proceedings began with hoisting of the Sahitya Sabha flag by educationist Dr SN Mahanta.
Dr Mahanta, in his speech, described Rabha as a true son of Assam who throughout his life rendered incomparable services for the development of culture and literature of the land and for consolidation of unity among all sections of society.
The public meeting held on the occasion was presided over by Urmila Chakravortty, president, Brihattar Panjabari Sahitya Sabha.
Inaugurating the meeting, DN Chakravartty, editor, Sankar Jyoti, dwelt at length on the multifarious qualities of Rabha and observed that had he not frittered away his genius in diverse fields of activities and concentrated instead only on one field of excellence, he would have attained world eminence.
�But notwithstanding his personal failure, whatever Rabha has contributed towards the enrichment of Assamese culture and language, and uplift of the status of the working class people and farmers, would place him in the pantheon of immortals of north- eastern India,� Chakravartty said.
The appointed speaker, educationist Khagendra Prasad Deka, in his speech, elaborated on the contributions of Rabha as a musician, actor, historian and cultural ambassador. Deva Prasad Talukdar, Dr BN Deva Sarma, Tora Gogoi Kakati and Ranajit Sutradhar also addressed the meeting.
Urmila Chakravortty, in her speech, narrated memorable incidents and anecdotes of Rabha�s life. Several songs composed by Rabha were presented by women members of the Brihattar Panjabari Sahitya Sabha.
Meanwhile, Satgaon Students� Union today observed Rabha Divas along with the rest of the State, with a daylong programme at the Satgaon Adarsha Prathamik Bidyalay.
The proceedings began with the ceremonial flag-hoisting, followed by swahid tarpan and garlanding of Rabha�s portrait. Several speakers addressed the function. Other events included drawing competition among children.