HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Aug 23: Influenced by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and his far-reaching vision for a post-independent India, the people of Assam became active participants in the nation’s freedom movement after 1921, imbued with the spirit of Indian nationalism. Satradhikar Gahan Chandra Goswami emerged as a prominent figure from Assam who was deeply committed to serving the motherland and leading the struggle for India’s independence. Goswami envisioned a truly independent India, a dream that reverberated with the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. This sentiment was echoed by the distinguished thinker and writer, Mayur Borah, who served as the chief speaker at an oration event titled ‘Satradhikar Gahan Chandra Goswami’s Spirit of Patriotism and the Contemporary Society’. The event was organised by the Hemanta Kumar Baruah Smriti Raksha Committee in collaboration with the Darrang College Ex-students’ Union and the departments of History and Assamese. The event took place on Tuesday at Darrang College.
In his comprehensive discourse, Mayur Borah paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of great figures like Karmaveer Chandranath Sarmah to India’s struggle for freedom. He highlighted Satradhikar Gahan Chandra Goswami’s aspiration for a society devoid of racial distinctions in the post-independent era, much akin to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. Borah emphasised that passing down the heritage of Assam and showcasing the heroic figures like Sukapha, Chilarai, Lachit Barphukan, along with the saintly figures Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhabdev, is essential to guide the younger generation on the right path.
The oration commenced with a welcome address by Pallab Bhattacharya, the joint secretary of the committee. Dr Polashmani Saikia, principal of Darrang College, provided a multifaceted glimpse into the life of the late Hemanta Baruah. The memorial ceremony for Hemanta Kumar Baruah began with his spouse, Himadri Baruah, lighting a ceremonial lamp in front of his portrait. The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Dr Bhupen Saikia, adviser of Smritirakhya Samiti, Dr Khageswar Borkakati, GB president of Darrang College, Dr Dharmendra Kumar Sarma, president of Darrang College Alumni Association, and other notable personalities like Nalini Kanta Baruah, Ramesh Chandra Kalita, retired professors Mahendra Nath Keot, Dr Satish Chandra Bhattacharya, Dr Bhubaneswar Saharia, Rabindra Nath Sarmah, Monoranjan Sarmah, Minu Devi, writer Manik Borah, Bhuban Chandra Gogoi, and renowned social activist Anjali Kalita. The event, held under the guidance of the committee’s president Birendra Kumar Borah, was skillfully conducted by Pankaj Baruah, former secretary of Tezpur Sahitya Sabha.