Guwahati, 17 June: Jyoti Prasad Agarwala was born on June 17, 1903, in The Tamolbari Tea Estate of Madarkhat Mouza in Dibrugarh district. Jyoti Prasad’s father known as Paramananda Agarwal and mother Kiranmayi Agarwal. The famous Assamese Chandrakumar Agarwala was his grandfather.
Although Agarwala is an Assamese by birth, his ancestors are a business family migrating from Rajasthan. His ancestor Nabarangram Agarwala came to Assam in 1811 from the Marwar region of Rajasthan for business purpose. But the contribution made by this family to the Assamese society and culture will always shine in golden letters in the history of Assam.
It is to be noted that Jyotiprasad’s family member Harivilas Agarwal was the first to publish the kirtan book in printed form. Jyotiprasad Agarwala is one of the greatest personalities in the history of Assam. Jyotiprasad Agarwala is a renowned lyricist, playwright, writer and first Assamese filmmaker. The repository of Assamese language and literature is enriched with the creations of Jyotiprasad. He has contributed to Assamese literature in all aspects of poetry, drama, essays, criticism, children’s literature, etc.
On the other hand, Jyotiprasad Agarwala has been awarded the title ‘Rupkonwar’ for his outstanding contribution to the world of Assamese culture. He is the pioneer of modern Assamese songs. Jyotiprasad, the pioneer of Assamese cinema made his first Assamese film ‘Joymati’ in 1935. The death anniversary of this artist is January 17 hence celebrated as ‘Silpi Divas’. The philosophy of Jyotiprasad, a freedom fighter is also called the ‘philosophy of transformation’ because he said – ‘Transformation only makes the world beautiful, this is my Gayatri Mantra’.
Jyotiprasad Agarwala has contributed more than three hundred songs to Assamese lyric literature. The complete plays written by him are Shonit Kunwari (1925), Kareng’s Ligiri (193o), Lovita (1948), Rupalim (1938), Nimati Koina (1964) and Khanikar (1977). On the other hand, there are many plays in the incomplete condition. Those are Kanaklata, Sundarkonwar and Sonapakhili.
Death is eternal truth. But if that death happens prematurely then it becomes unbearable. JyotiPrasad Agarwala died of cancer on January 17, 1951 at his residence in Tezpur. At the age of just 48, Jyotiprasad took the drama of life. Jyotiprasad’s creation and work arena is paved a heritage site for Assam.
On June 17, 2004, the Government of India released a commemorative postage stamp of Jyotiprasad Agarwala for his outstanding contribution to assamese literature and film industry.
Also Read: Around 2000 Tourists Stranded Due To Bad Weather In Sikkim