HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Sept 26: A public commemorative meeting in honor of prominent Assam Movement leader Pranabjit Chaliha, also known as Romuda, was held at Chaliha’s Phukan Nagar residence. The event was attended by admirers and followers of Romuda.
Noted social and spiritual leader Lakhikanta Mahanta inaugurated the meeting by lighting a ceremonial lamp in front of Romuda’s portrait and reciting verses from the Gita.
Former MP of Borpeta Parliamentary Constituency, Kumar Dipak Das, spoke at the meeting. He praised Romuda’s unique style in advocating for the rights of the exploited Assamese people and his role in fostering a sense of Assamese nationalism. Das also noted that Romuda was a prominent volleyball player. He expressed hope that the commemorative volume dedicated to Romuda would reflect the multifaceted personality of this true Assamese leader.
Manoj Bhagawati, secretary of the Sivasagar Sports Association, remembered his association with Romuda and paid tribute to his fighting spirit as a legendary sports person.
The all-faith religious prayer session was led by Mukheswar Mohan, the Tai purohit.
Rantu Paniphukan of Bir Lachit Sena paid tribute in his speech and emphasized how they discovered the indomitable spirit in Romuda. The Tinsukia district unit of Bir Lachit Sena released a commemorative song in memory of Romuda’s struggle for self-expression.
Sringkhal Chaliha, Romuda’s son, described his father as a true patriot and a courageous man who never compromised on Assamese nationalistic aspirations.
Niren Sarma, a former leader of AGP in Jorhat, stated that Romuda shaped the destiny of Sivasagar AASU (All Assam Students’ Union) into a strong, vocal patriotic group that could oppose the world when necessary.
Jogesh Bora, former secretary of AGP, Sivasagar District Committee, emphasized that Romuda was an uncompromising individual who fought for the Assamese people from the language movement of 1962 to the Assam Movement of 1979-1985 from the frontlines.
Pabitra Pran Bhattacharjya, Principal of Kalugaon Girls’ High School, spoke about how Romuda inspired an entire generation of Assamese youths.