Sonowal presents Bishnu Rabha Award

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 20: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal presented 'Bishnu Rabha Award-2016' to veteran artist Girish Chandra Borah and dance exponent Bipul Das at a function organized on the occasion of the 47th death anniversary of Bishnu Rabha at Rabindra Bhawan today. Sanu Das, wife of Bipul Das, received the award on her husband's behalf.

The award carries a citation, eri chadar, sarai and Rs. 1 lakh. Speaking on the occasion which was organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal termed Bishnu Rabha as a multifaceted genius. He was a singer, lyricist, musician, actor, artiste, poet and litterateur. He was a legendary master of the arts. Sonowal said Bishnu Rabha was responsible for 'bridging union' amongst various ethnicities of the land. Urging everybody to devote time on noble works, Sonowal said good actions always have their cascading effect and they are immortal. Bishnu Rabha is always remembered for his noble deeds and he remains immortal because of his inimitable and matchless works. The greater Assamese society needs to emulate Bishnu Rabha and his works.

Sonowal also said that Bishnu Rabha's love for humanity ebled him to give unparallel creations and stated that his government would do everything possible for the younger generations to get familiar with Bishnu Rabha and his works. Sonowal also urged the parents to help their children to develop reason rather than emotion as their guiding force. At the same time, Chief Minister Sonowal harped on the need of a healthy mind and body for a balanced and successful life. In this context, Chief Minister also referred to the quality of great footballer in Bishnu Rabha and his sound body-mind combition.

Sonowal also appealed to the younger generations to tread the footsteps of Srimanta Sankardev, Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha. He also said that in order to serve the society one needs to bear in mind 'fear' and 'devotion'. Fear restrains a person from indulging in inhuman activity and devotion entails a person to bring in perfection in a particular activity. He said trust, confidence and cooperation of the people of Assam is the driving force for his government to serve the people of Assam. He also requested the people of Assam to maintain a constant vigilance on his Government to help it perform better.  He also informed that his government would soon announce a new policy for the artistes.

In sync with the day, Sonowal also presented awards to the winners participated in various competitions. Moreover, he also felicitated a few contemporary veterans of  Bishnu Rabha.

Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury, speaking on the occasion, gave a brief and resourceful account of Bishnu Rabha. He also said Kala Guru was a great teacher of the greater Asssamese society. Minister Cultural Affairs ba Kumar Doley, Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan also spoke on the occasion.  Minister of State (Ind)  Pallab Lochan Das, MP Rameswar Teli, MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Suman Haripriya, Angoorlata Deka, Mayor GMC Mrigen Sarania, Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, dancer Subhalaxmi Barua Kahn,  along with a host of other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.