GUWAHATI, Jan 17 - Shilpi Divas was observed today on the Noonmati premises of Assam Jatiya Bidyalay here to pay tribute to Jyotiprasad Agarwala on his 68th death anniversary, stated a press release.
The programme started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and garlanding of the portrait of Rupkonwar by the president of the school management committee Dilip Kumar Dutta Choudhury.
In his welcome speech, principal Ghanashyam Medhi paid tribute to all the famous personalities who have made contributions to the Assamese culture. Sampurna Batsayan, a student of class XI, spoke on the significance of Shilpi Divas.
Jyotiprasad�s two daughters Gyanashree Pathak and Satyashree Das were present as chief guests. Gyanashree Pathak shared some childhood memories related to their father and also her memories regarding the first Assamese motion picture Joymoti.
Satyashree Das spoke on how her father collected the melody from the Assamese folk songs and absorbed them while composing the music of his songs, which later became the evergreen �Jyoti Sangeet.� She also spoke on her unforgettable childhood memories at the Tamolbari Tea Garden.
Sudipta Choudhury, a teacher of the Assamese department, delivered a speech on the songs of Jyotiprasad (�Jyotiprasadar Geetor Eti Abolokan�).
Cultural programmes were also presented on stage by the students of the school. At the end, Aparajita Bora, Vice Principal of the school, offered the vote of thanks. Senior teacher of the Department of Social Science, Aparna Devi was the convenor of the programme.
At Royal Global University: Shilpi Divas was also observed at the Royal Global University (RGU) where the Rupkonwar�s daughter Gyanashree Pathak was the chief guest.
The programme started with playing of the state anthem. This was followed by a chorus on Jyoti Sangeet presented by the RGU students.
Chief guest Pathak fondly recalled her father�s memories and happily interacted with the students. She narrated her father�s trials and tribulations in his short yet extremely enlightened life. Besides being a father, he was an excellent cook who made Chinese food for his daughters, read to them on culture and literature, took them on tours across Assam and prodded them to excel in all they did, she said.
She also spoke on how her father always emphasised ingraining the Assamese socio-cultural ethos in all his works. His film Joymoti brought out the best of Assamese culture and she chronicled how he struggled to find his actress Aideu Handique and subsequent brickbats he faced. But, his determination and clarity on his multi-cultural dimension, paved the way for success in all he did, she added.
RGU Vice Chancellor Prof SP Singh, Vice Chancellor, RGU stated that during his many interactions on Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, he has perceived him as �Rupkonwar - The Prince of Enlightenment�.
At Nilachal Jatiya Vidyalaya: Nilachal Jatiya Vidyalaya also organised a programme on the occasion of Shilpi Divas.
The programme began with lighting of the lamp by Principal Rajib Kalita. He spoke on the contributions made by Jyotiprasad Agarwala to society.
Dance and song competitions based on Jyoti Sangeet were organised among the students.
At Jyoti Chitraban: The Sahari Foundation of Guwahati in association with �Swaralipi� and �Akash Subole Mon� also observed the Shilpi Divas with specially-abled children on the Jyoti Chitraban premises. As part of the programme, a drawing competition, Jyoti Sangeet competition, clay-making competition and dance competition on the songs of Jyotiprasad Agarwala were held. The organisers also felicitated some distinguished cultural personalities in the programme.
