HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Dec 17: The Sadou Asam Lekhika Samaroh Samiti observed the 22nd death anniversary of actress Aideu Handique on Wednesday with a daylong programme at its Tezpur central office.
Dr Jahanara Begum was conferred the “Aideu Handique Memorial Award, 2025” for her contribution to Indian cinema. A bust of Padma Shri Sheela Borthakur, founder president of the Samiti, was unveiled by senior journalist and litterateur Anuradha Sarma Pujari, with financial support from Dr Sanjib Borthakur.
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The programme began with flag hoisting, floral tributes to Dr Sheela Borthakur, Kharanan Borthakur and singer Zubeen Garg, followed by group performances. The commemorative meeting, chaired by Samiti president Subarna Saikia Bordoloi, was inaugurated by adviser Swarna Barua Gogoi, who recalled Handique’s resilience, noting she faced social ostracism for a single dialogue in ‘Joymoti’ and remained unmarried.
Former president Dr Charu Saharia Nath highlighted the Samiti’s growth since 1974 and praised Dr Borthakur as an inspiration for Assamese women. Dr Jahanara Begum urged women to uphold Handique’s legacy of courage.
Anuradha Sarma Pujari remarked that Tezpur produced progressive women like Mina Agarwala and Dr Borthakur, who empowered women against patriarchal constraints, adding, “Women have the power to make society more humane and beautiful.”
The programme was attended by office-bearers, members of various branches, academicians, writers and cultural figures, who paid rich tributes to both Handique and Dr Borthakur, reaffirming their enduring relevance in Assam’s cultural and social history.
