TEZPUR, Jan 17 - While the 65th Silpi Divas was observed all over the State today, several programmes were organised to mark the occasion here.
Virtually turning the dream of cultural icon Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala into reality, the District Library auditorium here was transformed into a platform of harmony as a galaxy of more than 200 artistes from across the State were felicitated by organising a programme in sync with Silpi Divas today.
Among others, theatre artistes Bhola Kalita, Udai Sankar Saikia and cine actor Nipon Goswami were present on the occasion. Presentation of Bagrumba, Jhumur, Tiwa, Nishyi and Bihu dance enthralled the audience. In a sense, the site of the function turned into a pilgrimage of artistes.
For the first time ever, frontline local cultural organisation Asom Reparatory organised the get-together of artistes of the State christened as Silpi Samaroh.
The programme began with paying of floral tributes to the Rupkonwar by the president of Asom Reparatory, Dr Pradip Lahkar and president of Sonitpur Silpi Samaroh working president Gautom Sarma and Sibanu Bora. The day-long function got witnessed a unique blend of cultural events pertaining to different ethnic communities coming from various corners of the district.
Bhor-tal presentation by Mitali Dutta Bora, Bagrumba dance, Tiwa dance, Nichyi dance, Jhumur etc., besides the interface among the artistes conducted by Gautom Sarma provided an exceptional culturally-charged environment to the people.
Meanwhile, taking part in the interface, noted Assamese cine actor Nipon Goswami shared his experience of having close contact with cultural icon Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha in his life.
Artistes from across the State, including actor Bhabani Nath, Jiban Bora, poet Nilim Kumar, litterateur Janardan Goswami, singer Gitali Kakoti, Bhaskar Moun, Shyam Kumar Nag, Narbahadur Dorjee, Kamal Rashid Ahmed, Tarulata Das, Sunoyona Goswami, Bitupon Bora, Suja Chakrabarty, Digbija Basumatary, Pratibha Bora, Puja Goswami and Beauty Bora, among others, were present on the occasion to share their views.
As a part of the itinerary, 200 artistes were felicitated with phulam gamosa as the mouthpiece of Asom Reparatory Kusalib was formally released by cine actor Nipon Goswami, Bhola Kalita and Bhola Kotoki.
On the other hand, besides the above-mentioned programme, different social organisations here, including Jyoti Bharati (POKI), Bhupen Hazarika Kala Bhumi, Trimurty Uddyan, Ban Theatre family, Asomiya Bhasha Unnati Sadhini Sabha and Lekhika Samaroh Samittee also observed the 65th Silpi Divas.
Paying floral tribute, Tezpur Sahitya Sabha commemorated the event at the Sabha Bhawan here. Paying glowing tributes to Rupkonwar, the president of Tezpur Sahitya Sabha Hemanta Kumar Baruah said that after saint reformer Srimanta Sankardev, Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala can be regarded as an architect of modern Assamese language, literature, art and culture. �Authenticity of folk songs are echoed in Jyoti Sangeet,� he said, adding that the new generation should follow the ideology of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, who dedicated his life to building a classless society through the medium of culture.
Paying tribute to the cultural icon, Anil Bhattacharya, the president of Chatok, a cultural organisation of Tezpur, said that the word silpi (artist) is misused now-a-days. �We notice that the opposite definition of the word which was originally coined by Jyotiprasad Agarwala, being in vogue. Some so-called artistes who have been trying to popularise Assamese culture in the world arena need to be checked, or else the Assamese nation will one day feel insulted,� he rued.
Likewise, office-bearers of socio-cultural organisations like Jyoti Bharati (POKI), Bhupen Hazarika Kala Bhumi, Ban Theatre, Trimurty Uddyan, Asomiya Bhasha Unnati Sadhini Sabha, Lekhika Samaroh Samittee etc. paid rich tributes in memory of the cultural icon.
Our Tinsukia Correspondent adds: The All Assam Students� Union (AASU) observed Silpi Divas centrally at Laipuli Gaon Panchayat field at Kharikatia Gaon here today.
The insigne was unfurled by AASU president Dipanka Kumar Nath, while swahid tarpan was initiated by general secretary Lurin Jyoti Gogoi. Dr Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya paid homage to Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala by garlanding his portrait.
Prominent writer Punya Saikia inaugurated the Janagosthiyo Sanskritik Samaroh in which traditional dance and songs were performed by members of various ethnic groups, namely Tai-Ahom, Moran, Mottock, Tiwa, Rabha, Bodo, Sonowal- Kachari, tea tribes etc.
The open session organised on the occasion was presided over by All Assam Students� Union president Dipanka Kumar Nath, while the souvenir published to mark the occasion was released by Hrishikesh Goswami, secretary of Assam Children�s Literature Trust.
As a part of the itinerary, young scientist Dr Mukut Gohain, Bongeet Samrat Luit Das, dramatist-cum-actor Rajib Lochan Bora, artist Rajen Khound and singer Dulal Manki were felicitated in the open session.
Besides other dignitaries, namely leaders of All Bodo Students� Union, All Tai Ahom Students� Union, All Assam Mottock Students� Union, Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, Assam Tea Tribe Students� Association, All Moran Students� Union, All Assam Chutia Students� Union etc., son of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Prithviraj Rabha, daughter of Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Joyshree Chaliha, and Chief Resident Officer of Oil India Limited, Jayanta Kumar Borgohain attended the open session as distinguished guests.
The open session was followed by a cultural nite in which a number of invited artistes performed and enthralled the audience.
