HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Oct 18: The Asam Sahitya Sabha commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of Radha Govinda Baruah, popularly known as the Lion Man of Assam, with deep reverence at the Bhagawati Prasad Baruah Bhawan, the Guwahati office of the Sabha on Friday.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp in front of Baruah’s portrait by the Principal Secretary of Asam Sahitya Sabha, Debajit Bora. In his address, Bora paid rich tribute to the legendary reformer and visionary, praising his immense contributions to the formation of Assamese identity and cultural awakening.
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“Assamese is a unique community that sings songs of harmony and unity even in a crematorium, as witnessed at the funeral of late artist Zubeen Garg,” said Bora, while drawing parallels with Baruah’s legacy of unity and cultural pride. He described Radha Govinda Baruah as a true nationalist and cultural icon who helped shape modern Assam.
Noted actor and Jyotirupa working president Dilip Baruah also paid homage to the visionary, recalling his vital role in Assam’s cultural renaissance. Dr Sanjib Kumar Sarma, secretary of the Guwahati office of the Sabha, highlighted Baruah’s multifaceted contributions and appealed to the Government of India to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna upon him. He also urged that the under-construction flyover at Chandmari-Dighalipukhuri be named after Baruah.
Veteran journalist and organiser Naren Hazarika also spoke briefly, remembering Baruah’s far-reaching impact on Assamese society.
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Padma Shri awardee Dr Roman Sharma, actors Tapas Dutta, Arati Kalita, Ranjan Sarma, Girish Sharma, Pradeep Thakuria, Dulu Das, playwright Mala Sarma, and singers Jayashree Devi and Chandan Mishra, all of whom offered floral tributes to the iconic son of Assam.
