Assam observed Rabha Divas on Saturday to commemorate the death anniversary of warrior artist, freedom fighter, and cultural icon Bishnu Prasad Rabha. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the state-level celebrations and award ceremony at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, paying tribute to the legendary figure.
Awards Conferred on Distinguished Personalities
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister presented the Bishnu Rabha Award, Sati Sadhani Award, and Ajan Peer Award to individuals for their contributions to art, literature, and cultural harmony. The Bishnu Rabha Award for 2026 was conferred on noted dancer Manik Barbayan and artist Madhusudan Das. The Sati Sadhani Award for 2026 was awarded to eminent writer Gita Upadhyay, while artist Mohammad Shamsuddin Ahmed received the national-level Ajan Pir Award for 2025.
CM's Tribute to Bishnu Prasad Rabha
Sarma described Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha as a symbol of Assam's pride, whose ideals, creativity, and contributions continue to inspire generations. "Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha was such a personality whose talent was as vast as the mighty Brahmaputra, as expansive as the sky, and as deep as the ocean," he said. The Chief Minister hailed Rabha as an eternal guiding star of Assam's socio-cultural life and a true people's artist, emphasizing that Rabha symbolizes the self-respect and dignity of the people of Assam and that his creations continue to guide society toward enlightenment across generations.
Rabha's Journey and Legacy
Sarma noted that Bishnu Rabha, an immortal hero of Assam's national life, elevated the spiritual bond between the land and its people to the highest level of artistic expression. "From his childhood in Dhaka to the historic Ban Theatre stage in Tezpur, from the turbulent student movements in Kolkata to the revolutionary activities in Cooch Behar, and later to the floor of the Assam Legislative Assembly, every step of Kalaguru's journey reflected a unique blend of struggle and creativity," said Sarma. He also observed that Rabha's scholarly writings on anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and related subjects continue to open new avenues of thought and inquiry.
Advocacy for the Marginalized
The Chief Minister also noted that Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev occupied the highest spiritual and social ideal in Bishnu Rabha's life. Referring to Rabha's election to the Assam assembly as an independent candidate from the Tezpur constituency in 1967, Sarma said that Bishnu Prasad Rabha was the true voice and champion of farmers, workers, and the most marginalized sections of society. He added that Rabha's advocacy for land rights for poor and landless farmers remains as relevant in the 21st century as it was during his lifetime.
Widespread Observance
Various political parties and leading organizations of the state, along with public organizations in rural parts of Assam, also observed Rabha Divas, commemorating the life and ideals of the icon.
