Guwahati: Artistes demand immediate reopening of Rabindra Bhawan

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and cultural urgency, a large gathering of artistes, playwrights, lyricists, and socially conscious citizens assembled outside the closed gates of Rabindra Bhawan in Guwahati on Friday, calling for the iconic venue’s immediate reopening. The protest was organized under the banner of the Cultural Unity Forum, Assam (Sanskritik Aikyamancha, Asom) and brought together more than 30 theatre groups and cultural organizations from across the state.

Rabindra Bhawan, once a thriving epicentre of theatrical and artistic expression in Assam, has remained closed for over three years, reportedly due to renovation work. However, the lack of visible progress, transparency, and a clear timeline for completion has deeply frustrated the state’s artistic community.

“We are not just standing in front of a concrete building; this is a symbol of our collective cultural identity,” said one of the protesters. “Rabindra Bhawan is a temple for artistes. Every performer in Assam dreams of taking the stage here. Its prolonged closure is not just disappointing — it’s disheartening.”

Another artiste questioned the government’s priorities, stating, “If major infrastructure like flyovers can be completed in a matter of months, why has Rabindra Bhawan been shut for over three years? The cultural sector deserves the same urgency.”

During the protest, the Cultural Unity Forum submitted a charter of demands to the state government, urging prompt and inclusive action to revive Assam’s cultural infrastructure. Their key demands include:

• Completion of scientific and structural renovation of Rabindra Bhawan within six months.

• Preservation of the historical and architectural heritage of the building.

• Renovation of district libraries and government auditoriums across Assam, ensuring they are accessible for cultural performances at affordable rental rates.

• Formation of a technical committee to oversee maintenance of sound, lighting, and stage infrastructure.

• Concessions and support for financially weaker theatre groups and long-time contributors to Assam’s cultural scene.

The protesters stressed that without functioning cultural venues, particularly Rabindra Bhawan, the state’s artistic ecosystem was on the verge of collapse. They also highlighted the difficulties faced by performers due to high rental costs at private venues, limiting opportunities for emerging artistes and smaller theatre groups.

With cultural activities in Guwahati nearing a standstill, the demonstration marked a significant and united plea from Assam’s artistic community, urging the government to act decisively and restore a space that has long nurtured the soul of Assamese creativity.

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