Assam Cm presents ‘Bishnu Rabha Award-2016’ to artist Girish Chandra Borah and Bipul Das

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday presented the ‘Bishnu Rabha Award-2016’ to veteran artist Girish Chandra Borah and dance exponent Bipul Das at a function organised on the occasion of 47th death anniversary of Bishnu Rabha at Rabindra Bhawan.

Sanu Das wife of Bipul Das received the award on her husband’s behalf and the award carries a citation, eri chadar, sarai and Rs. 1 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion which was organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, the Assam CM termed Bishnu Rabha as a multifaceted genius.

“He was a singer, lyricist, musician, actor, artist, poet and litterateur. He was a legendary master of the arts. Bishnu Rabha was responsible for ‘bridging union’ amongst various ethnicities of the land,” Sonowal said.

Urging everybody to devote time on noble works, Sonowal said that 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,” the Assam CM said.

Sonowal also said that Bishnu Rabha’s love for humanity enabled 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 upon the parents to help their children to develop reason rather than emotion as their guiding force.

The Assam CM harped on the need of a healthy mind and body for a balanced and successful life.

Sonowal also referred to the quality of great footballer in Bishnu Rabha and his sound body-mind combination.

Sonowal appealed to the younger generations to tread the footsteps of Srimanta Sankardev, Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha.

The Assam CM 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.

Sonowal said that trust, confidence and cooperation of the people of Assam is the driving force for his government to serve the people of Assam.

The Assam CM requested the people of Assam to maintain a constant vigilance on his Government to help it perform better.

Sonowal informed that his government would soon announce a new policy for the artistes.

Sonowal also presented awards to the winners participated in various competitions.

Moreover, Sonowal also felicitated a few contemporary veterans of Bishnu Rabha.

Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury speaking on the occasion gave brief and resourceful account of Bishnu Rabha.

Minister Cultural Affairs Naba 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.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)