Guwahati, 20 June (HS): Today, June 20, is a day which is celebrated every year as 'Bishnu Rabha Day'. This day is celebrated with reverence and respect across the state in memory of the great artist, revolutionary and litterateur soldier-craftsman 'Kalaguru Bishnuprasad Rabha' who enriched Assamese society, culture and music.
Many programs have been organized on this occasion in different parts of the state today. Remembering the multifaceted talent and contribution of Kalaguru Rabha, artists, poets, writers, theater artists, singers, dancers, painters and actors are paying tribute to him in their respective genres. The whole of Assam is resonating with the creations and cultural consciousness of Bishnu Rabha today.
It is noteworthy that Kalaguru Bishnuprasad Rabha was born on January 31, 1909 in Dhaka. He was such a seeker of Assamese culture who linked art and music with social consciousness. Rabha's compositions are today known as 'Bishnu Rabha Sangeet'. He was also a revolutionary thinker who linked his art to social struggle.
He breathed his last on 20 June 1969 at 2:25 am in Tezpur. Impressed by his cultural contribution, the then Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, honored him with the title of 'Kalaguru'.
Bishnu Rabha was a true multifaceted artist—he was a poet, writer, playwright, musician, painter, actor, and freedom fighter. He wrote stories, novels, poems, and articles on society and culture. His works remain relevant in social and cultural discourse even today.
Rabha also played an active role in the political field. In 1955, he joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) and contested the assembly elections from Barpeta in 1957, though he could not win. In 1967, he reached the assembly by winning the election as an independent candidate from Tezpur. In 1968, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Kokrajhar but lost.
Today is the day to pay homage to the memory of Vishnu Rabha, a symbol of Assam's cultural consciousness and pride.--------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
