GUWAHATI, June 20 � A number of eminent personalities today paid tributes to Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha, including Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, in a function held here, in which the Bishnu Rabha Awards 2010 were presented.
The Chief Minister in his address said that Rabha�s repertoire as a creative force was incredible, and so was his contribution to the cultural rejuvenation of the region. He said that in time the value of his legacy has not diminished, which indicated the significance of his work.
While extolling the literary and artistic genius of Rabha, Gogoi said, �It is a fact that culture could be a unifying bond, a humanistic expression, which could lead to peace and progress in society�. He hoped that drawing inspiration from the likes of Bishnu Rabha and Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, the youth of Assam would cerate new milestones in music, art, drama and allied fields.
Gogoi announced that his government was committed to encourage cultural activities in the state, and was even contemplating the establishment of a cultural university. Such a development would give further impetus to the already vibrant cultural life of Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Chandra Narah, Minister of Cultural Affairs, mentioned the significance of the Bishnu Rabha Award. He presented prizes to six children who excelled in a dance and a drawing competition held to mark Rabha divas.
Noted dancer and artiste Ranjana Sarma Bordoloi, and distinguished painter and sculptor Biren Singha were presented with the awards, each of which comprised a citation, a Sarai, a shawl and a cash component of Rs 1 lakh.
Bordoloi, who was overwhelmed by the honour said that it was inspiration provided by her parents and some senior artistes that helped her excel in dance, drama and cinema. She expressed her gratitude to the Assam Government for bestowing her with the award.
In a thought-provoking acceptance speech, Biren Singha mentioned the various places that shaped his sensibilities, and underlined the role that the land and people of Karbi Anglong, his place of work, had played in his creative growth. He hoped that a faculty of fine arts would be opened in Tezpur University to support young artists of the region.
The highlight of the function held in Rabindra Bhawan was a brief but heart-warming musical performance by Sudakshina Sarma. All those present were moved by the manner the veteran singer rendered three songs by Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha.
Meanwhile, Rabha Divas was observed by the All Guwahati Students Union at Swahid Bhawan, Uzan Bazar. Folk artiste Nagen Das, who has been teaching Kamrupia Lokgeet, was offered financial support on the occasion.
