Parvati Prasad Baruva

Parvati Prasad Baruva (1904–1964) was a noted poet, lyricist, dramatist: an icon of Assamese literature and the Culture of Assam.^[1] Known for his simple and sensitive use of the Assamese language, he is popularly known as the Geetikavi;^[2] the lyrical poet of Assam. He was also one of the early pioneering filmmakers of Assamese cinema.

Biography

He was born on August 19, 1904 near the banks of the Dikhow river in Sibsagar, Assam to Radhika Prasad Baruva and Himala Devi.^[3][4] Parvati Prasad's great-grandfather Jaduram Deka Baruva wrote the first bilingual Assamese dictionary in 1839.^[5]

Parvati Prasad graduated in philosophy from Kolkata's Scottish Church College as a graduating student of the University of Calcutta.^[6] During his sojourn in Kolkata, he would watch plays, dance dramas (or Rabindra Nritya Natyas) and other musical events based on the works of Rabindranath Tagore. These experiences helped to further hone his creativity as a music composer later.^[6]

Works

Parvati Prasad, at the age of ten, for the first time, played the part of 'Joymoti', in a play staged by the local theater group. In 1921, he started a hand written monthly magazine called 'Jhupitora'.

Cinema

• He directed the fourth Assamese movie Rupohi which was released in 1941. He also composed the music for this film.

Poetry and music

• Bhonga Tukarir Sur (?): book of poems
• Gungunani (?): published book of songs; including Puja Aha, Nubulu Tuk, and Tur Nai Je Bondhuwa Baat
• Luiti (?): published book of bongeets about the river Luit; including Luitor Saporit Kore Naworiya
• Sukula Dawor Oi Kohuwa Phul (?): published book of songs about the seasons of autumn (fall); including Sarodi Sandhiyar Jonaki Mel
• Lakhhimi (?): dance drama
• Sonar Seleng (?): dance drama

Dramas

• ‘Lakhimi’ and
• ‘Sonar Soleng'.

Translations and awards

Baruwa's poetry has been translated into Hindi, English and may other Indian languages. Paromita Das won the third prize in Indian Literature Golden Jubilee Literary Translation Awards Competition conducted by Sahitya Akademi of India in 2007 for her translation of two poems by Parvati Prasad Baruwa, namely "If Life Be Lost" and "Life Awakens".

See also

• Assamese literature
• Music of Assam

References