Guwahati, June 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday paid rich tributes to Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala on his birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary who laid the foundation of modern Assamese cultural identity through his contributions to literature, music, theatre and cinema.

Taking to the social media platform X, CM Sarma said Agarwala’s legacy continues to inspire generations across Assam.

“On his birth anniversary, I pay my solemn tributes to Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, the doyen of Assamese culture. A visionary ahead of his time, he laid the foundation of Assamese cinema with ‘Joymoti’ in 1935 and enriched our identity as a playwright, poet, and composer.

His ‘Jyoti Sangeet’ remains a timeless testament to his artistic brilliance and revolutionary spirit,” the Chief Minister wrote.

CM Sarma further said that Agarwala did not merely create art but helped shape the modern cultural consciousness of Assam.

Born on June 17, 1903, at Tamulbari Tea Estate in present-day Dibrugarh district, Jyotiprasad Agarwala is regarded as one of the foremost architects of modern Assamese culture.

A noted poet, playwright, lyricist, composer, filmmaker and freedom fighter, he played a pioneering role in the cultural renaissance of Assam during the early twentieth century.

Agarwala scripted history in 1935 with the release of ‘Joymoti’, the first Assamese feature film.

Produced, directed and scripted by him, the film marked the beginning of Assamese cinema and remains a landmark in the state’s cultural history.

His contribution to Assamese music is equally significant. The genre known as ‘Jyoti Sangeet’, comprising hundreds of songs written and composed by him, continues to occupy a special place in Assamese society for its lyrical depth, patriotism and humanism.

Apart from his artistic achievements, Agarwala actively participated in India’s freedom movement and used literature and music as instruments of social awakening and national consciousness.

Every year, his birth anniversary is observed across Assam with cultural programmes, literary events and tributes celebrating the enduring legacy of the man widely revered as the Rupkonwar, or Prince of Beauty, of Assamese culture.

–IANS

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