GUWAHATI, June 20 - People of Assam today observed Rabha Divas to pay tribute to revolutionary artiste and activist Bishnu Prasad Rabha on his 51st death anniversary.
But this year, in view of the novel coronavirus pandemic, very few functions were organised to observe the day. People took to social media and shared many works and writings of Rabha, who throughout his entire life, fought for the rights of the marginalised sections of society.
In Guwahati city, the All Assam Students� Union (AASU) observed the day at the Swahid Nyas building. Speaking on the occasion, AASU chief adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya said, �It is one of our long-pending demands that in order to ensure in-depth and methodical research work on the cultural and literary doyens of Assam, the State government must fund and maintain chairs in the names of Bishnu Rabha, Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Dr Bhupen Hazarika so that future generations can benefit from the contributions of these cultural icons.�
The Asom Yuva Parishad and Asom Chatra Parishad jointly commemorated the day here in a low-key manner. Leaders of the two organisations paid floral tribute to the legendary figure. Members of the organisations also performed Rabha Sangeet on the occasion.
The Asam Sahitya Sabha took to Facebook to observe the day. Sabha president Kuladhar Saikia informed that Bishnu Prasad Rabha�s son Prithviraj Rabha, noted poet Upen Rabha Hakasam and many others took part in the online event.
All branches and district committees of the Sahitya Sabha also observed the day in their respective places. In case of Gogona, the Sabha�s Mumbai branch, president Saikia inaugurated the programme through a webinar.
Speaking on the occasion, Saikia said Rabha�s contributions could help the people of the State develop a composite culture by strengthening the bond among different communities.
Luit, the Assamese society in Pune, also observed Rabha Divas by conducting different online cultural competitions.
Meanwhile, the Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti today organised an online discussion on Facebook where music director Manas Robin, actor Himangshu Prasad Das and singer Arup Jyoti Barua took part.
