The Chief Minister of Assam recently unveiled a life-size statue of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala at Rupkonwar Chowk in Nagaon district, recognising his immense contributions to Assamese cinema, literature, music, and the freedom movement. 

• The event also included the inauguration of Shraddhanjali Udyan, a memorial park built at a cost of ₹25.34 crore, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting public awareness.

About Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala

• He is regarded as the father of Assamese cinema and is respectfully called “Rupkonwar” (Prince of Beauty).
• He directed Assam’s first Assamese film, Joymoti (1935), which laid the foundation of the Assamese film industry.
• He was a freedom fighter, poet, playwright, music composer, and social reformer.
• His songs, known as Jyoti Sangeet, remain an integral part of Assamese cultural identity.
• He played an important role in promoting Assamese language, art, and nationalism during British rule.

Importance of the Statue and Shraddhanjali Udyan

• The statue serves as a symbol of cultural pride and historical remembrance.
• The Shraddhanjali Udyan memorial park will:
  • Promote awareness about Assam’s cultural icons.
  • Serve as a tourist attraction, boosting cultural tourism.
  • Provide a public space for learning and community engagement.

Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan 2.0

During the same event, financial assistance was distributed under the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan 2.0, which aims to:

• Promote entrepreneurship among youth.
• Create job creators instead of job seekers.
• Strengthen Assam’s economic self-reliance, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Cultural and Exam Relevance

• The unveiling highlights the importance of cultural preservation in nation-building.
• Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s contributions are important for topics like:
  • Indian cinema history
  • Regional cultural movements
  • Freedom struggle contributions from Northeast India

Statement MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements about Jyotiprasad Agarwala:

1. He directed the first Assamese film Joymoti.
2. He is known as the father of Assamese cinema.
3. He was associated only with cinema and not with the freedom movement.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only 

One-Line Wrap

The unveiling of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s statue honours Assam’s cinematic pioneer and strengthens cultural preservation and identity.