GUWAHATI, June 20 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today conferred the Bishnu Rabha Award 2019 on dance exponent Kumari Laitonjam Ebampisok Devi and mask artisan Rebakanta Mahanta at the Bishnu Rabha Divas programme organised by the State cultural directorate and Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council at Rangjuli, Goalpara.
He also felicitated eight eminent persons for their contribution to arts, literature, culture, sports, etc., at the programme.
�Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha shaped the greater Assamese identity and worked tirelessly to establish Assamese culture at the world stage. His creations reflected folk culture and traditions of diverse ethnic groups of the State and he cemented the bond between these diverse groups while enriching the Assamese cultural landscape,� an official release said, quoting the Chief Minister.
Stating that only through awakening the artistic instincts within oneself could lead a person to attain a truly peaceful life, Sonowal said that Bishnu Rabha propagated a humanistic outlook of living much like Srimanta Sankaradeva, and that the young generation must be made aware about the teachings of those great personalities by teachers and parents to establish a society based on human values.
Calling for unity among all sections of people in the State, Sonowal urged the young generation to herald a new era of peace and development following the ideals of Bishnu Rabha and make Assam one of the best states in the country by working cohesively to achieve rapid economic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Cultural Affairs Naba Kumar Doley said that the endeavour of Bishnu Rabha to break the societal divides and fight for the oppressed sections of society while bringing societal reformation must be emulated by all. Rabha�s life was a glowing example how art and culture could strengthen the bond of unity among the people of the State and galvanize them to strive for the State�s development, he added.
Media adviser to the Chief Minister, Hrishikesh Goswami said Rabha revolted against all wrongs in society and he always acted as a strong voice for the weak and oppressed sections. Rabha brought about social reformation through his artistic works and the young generation must follow the ideals of this great thinker and activist to take Assam to greater heights, he said.
Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council CEM Tankeswar Rabha and Dudhnoi MLA Dipak Rabha also spoke on the occasion.
