GUWAHATI: Eminent Rabha folk artiste, Hirabala Rabha was conferred on 'Indian Oil Guwahati Refinery Luit Gaurab Award' for the year 2021. Rabha was conferred on the award during the Rongali Bihu celebration programme organized by Noonmati Bihu Sanmilan at Sector-II playground at Noonmati on Thursday. She received the award, as recognition for her relentless efforts towards promotion, preservation as well as for enriching the traditional Rabha folk songs.
In line with its corporate policy to preserve and enrich traditional art and culture, Guwahati Refinery initiated the 'IndianOil Guwahati Refinery Luit Gaurab Award' in the year 2018 for artistes contributing to folk art and culture of Assam. The award consists of an amount of Rs. 1 lakh and a citation which is awarded every year during Rongali Bihu celebration at Noonmati Bihutoli. The selected artiste is selected by a jury of eminent achievers in the field of art and culture of the State of Assam.
S Manchanda, Executive Director & Refinery Head (Guwahati Refinery) presented the award to Rabha amidst a huge gathering of audience.
While receiving the award, Rabha expressed gratitude to IndianOil Guwahati Refinery for the honour and said that the award would further inspire not only her but other artistes of the State who have been passionately working towards the preservation and promotion of folk arts. It is to be mentioned that the award was presented to Pokhila Lekthepi, an eminent folk singer from Karbi Anglong district of Assam in the year 2018 and to 'Dhepadhulia' Bipin Deka of Sipajhar under Darrang district in the year 2019, stated a release.