Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented Silpi Award 2020 to eminent artists Gopikanta Sinha and Apurba Bezbaruah on Friday.
The awards were presented during the Silpi Divas celebration held at Jyoti Chitraban in Guwahati.
The programme was organized by the Cultural Affairs Department of the State Government. The award carries a citation, anga bastra, Xarai and cheque worth Rs. 2 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal recalled the life and works of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala.
“Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala was appreciative of and sensitive to art and beauty,” Sonowal said.
“It was with the vision to keep alive Jyotiprasad’s high values of character building and social reform that every year Silpi Divas was being organized,” he added.
“Therefore, those who aspire to attain the stature of an artist must indulge in lifetime practice,” Soowal further said.
“All should devote their energy to overcome ill thoughts and negativity. I urge the youths to follow the footsteps Agarwala,” he reiterated.
Sonowal called upon the people of the state to realize the worth of the inherent potential of the region to make successful headway in the present competitive world.
The CM urged the people to revel in hard-work to strengthen peace, unity and brotherhood in society.
Sonowal also stressed on the need to follow the teachings of legendary personalities for building a better society.
He called upon the parents, teachers and the elderly people to guide and inspire the youth to be socially more committed, hard-working and upright.
He also emphasised the need for developing an ideal environment in the society which could motivate the youth to exert their best for social development.
The CM also congratulated the awardees and lauded their remarkable contribution to the cultural field of the State.