Tezpur: Tezpur’s Kalaguru Samadhi Samanway Kshetra came alive with music, dance and poetry on Friday as the 118th birth anniversary of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha was observed with deep reverence and cultural fervour. Organised by the Samadhi Samanway Kshetra Management Committee, the day-long programme began with the lighting of ceremonial lamps at the mausoleum. The event was inaugurated by Prithiraj Rabha, senior artist, son of the Kalaguru and MLA from Tezpur, along with Sonitpur Additional District Commissioner Kamal Barua and noted educationist Mahendra Nath Keot.
Presided over by committee president Pankaj Barua, the programme was attended by several dignitaries, including ATDC Vice-Chairman Ritu Baran Sharma, AGP vice-president Apurba Kumar Bhattacharyya, Tezpur Municipal Board chairperson Ramen Tamuli, Tezpur Development Authority chairman Biswadeb Bhattacharyya, cultural activists, artists, social workers and senior citizens. Speaking on the occasion, ADC Kamal Barua recalled the multifaceted life and philosophy of Bishnu Prasad Rabha, noting that Tezpur’s identity as a cultural hub owes much to such towering personalities. Mahendra Nath Keot described the observance as a meaningful effort to carry Rabha’s ideals to younger generations. Ritu Baran Sharma highlighted the responsibility of safeguarding Assamese language and culture inherited from icons like Rabha, Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Phani Sarma.
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In an emotional address, Prithiraj Rabha reflected on the creative depth and national spirit in Kalaguru’s works and rendered Rabha’s final composition, “Ei Mor Xesh Gan,” leaving the audience deeply moved. The cultural programme featured dance performances by students of Jyoti Kala Kendra Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and Prahlad Chandra Das Smriti Nrityashala, along with vocal tributes and poetry recitations. Tribute programmes were also held at various cultural institutions across Tezpur, reaffirming Kalaguru’s enduring legacy in Assamese cultural life.
