GUWAHATI, June 18: The Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity of The Assam
Royal Global University (RGU) today organized a special literary and cultural programme at
Jyoti Mancha to mark the publication and launch of two commemorative volumes titled
“Jyoti Prasad Agarwala: Twenty Songs and Seven Portraits” and “Bishnu Prasad Rava:
Twenty Songs and Seven Portraits.”
The programme was graced by Prof. Bijoy H. Boruah, Senior Professor and Advisor, IIT
Jammu; noted cultural activist Shri Hemraj Rava, son of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rava; and
Smt. Jnanashree Agarwala Pathak and Smt. Satyashree Agarwala Das, daughters of
Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, according to a Press release by RGU.
The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Dr.
A. K. Pansari, Chancellor of Royal Global University. Edited by Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan,
Associate Dean, Department of Social Work, RGU, the volumes pay tribute to the enduring
artistic genius, intellectual legacy, and immense cultural contributions of two of Assam’s
most revered icons—Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rava.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Bijoy H. Boruah situated Assamese cultural modernity
within the broader framework of South Asian modernity.
Reflecting on the contributions of
Assam’s celebrated cultural trinity—Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Bishnu Prasad Rava, and Dr.
Bhupen Hazarika—he observed that their artistic creations gave Assamese society “self-
consciousness and dignity.” He noted that while much has been written about these iconic
personalities, their contributions are rarely examined through wider theoretical perspectives.
Prof. Boruah highlighted the role of these figures as “organic intellectuals” who articulated
the aspirations and cultural identity of the Assamese people. Referring to the ideas of Italian
Marxist thinker Antonio Gramsci, particularly the concept of cultural hegemony, he
underscored how these visionaries shaped public consciousness through art, literature, music,
and social engagement. He further emphasized the continuity and relevance of Assamese
cultural modernity in contemporary times.
Addressing the gathering, Chancellor Dr. A. K. Pansari remarked that Jyoti Prasad Agarwala
and Bishnu Prasad Rabha would forever remain alive in the hearts and minds of the
Assamese people. He noted that the publication of these books in English would help
introduce their creativity, vision, and genius to a wider global audience.
Earlier, welcoming the guests and participants, Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury, Professor
Emeritus and Chair Professor at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity, reflected on
the complementary legacies of the two luminaries. “If Jyoti Prasad Agarwala is the calmness
of dawn, Bishnu Prasad Rava is the violent storm,” he remarked, adding that both visionaries
gifted Assam a philosophy of unity, harmony, and cultural awakening. He noted that thepublication of these volumes was a celebration of their enduring spirit and contributions to
Assamese civilization.
Shri Hemaraj Rava, son of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rava, also addressed the gathering and
expressed his happiness and gratitude to RGU for bringing out the commemorative
publication, which he described as a meaningful tribute to his father’s legacy.
The event brought together academicians, artists, writers, students, and cultural enthusiasts in
a collective celebration of Assam’s rich literary, musical, and artistic traditions. The
programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan, who
informed the audience that the books form part of an ongoing publication series titled
“Twenty Songs and Seven Portraits,” conceived to ensure continuity in documenting and
celebrating the lives and works of Assam’s cultural icons.
