The monochrome image shows film's young protagonists -- Apu and Durga -- running through Kaash flower field to catch a glimpse of a coming train.
'Pather Panchali' was based on the novel by Bengali writer Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. Released in 1955, the film helped cement Ray's reputation in international arena.
Born on May 2 in 1921, Ray, son of famous Bengali poet and writer Sukumar Ray, is hailed as one of the greatest directors in world cinema, whose matchless oeuvre is celebrated around the globe.
Interestingly, Ray's birthday falls just a day before the centenary day of Indian cinema tomorrow.
The filmmaker was a multi-talented genius and actually started his career as an artist in an advertising agency called D J Keymer.
And it was while working as a visualising artist in the field that the idea of 'Pather Panchali' took shape in his mind. The job of designing the cover for the Bibhutibhusan's eponymous novel 'Pather Panchali' for the Signet Press led him to realise the cinematic potential of the book.