Today marks the 51st Bishnu Prasad Rabha Divas (memorial day) of India's cultural icon from Assam, Bishnu Prasad Rabha.
Political leaders including Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma and eminent personalities across the state have expressed their views on the doyen and paid tribute to him through their respective social media handles.
Bishnu Prasad Rabha was one of the most dominant figures and doyens to contribute to the literary, cultural, and political field of Assam. He was born in 1909 in Dhaka to a Bodo family but adopted the title Rabha as he was raised by a Rabha family. He was an artist, singer, lyricist, music composer, actor, litterateur, and political activist. He has actively participated in the political field and was a staunch Marxist.
His slogan was "Haal Jaar Maati Taar" which means "those who cultivate should own the land". He donated an ancestral estate of 2500 bigha land received from the British government to the farmers.
His influence was widespread and there are cultural events organised featuring a segment called Bishnu Rava Sangeet. He also composed music for films and was an excellent actor.
On his memorial day to pay tribute to the 'Kalaguru' (the master of arts), Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal paid tribute to Bishnu Prasad Rabha and said he has rightfully kept the Assamese society consciousness illuminated through his contribution to art and culture field.
Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, quoted one of Kalguru's verses and said he will always remain a source of inspiration for all communities across Assam.