Cachar Admin observes the 87th death anniversary of Deshbhakta Tarun Ram

way2barak, July 28 : Patriotic songs presented by the students of Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan Higher Secondary School and Gurucharan University filled the Old Conference Hall of the District Commissioner’s Office with emotion and reverence on Tuesday as the 87th death anniversary of Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan was observed by the District Administration, Cachar in association with the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar.

The stirring performances by the students and teachers created a deeply moving atmosphere and set the tone for a programme that celebrated the life and ideals of one of Assam’s most distinguished sons.

The commemorative programme brought together scholars, advocate, educationists, writers, bureaucrats and government officials to pay homage to the renowned freedom fighter, lawyer, parliamentarian, .litterateur and social reformer whose contribution to Assam’s political awakening and India’s freedom movement continues to inspire generations.

Welcoming the gathering, Additional District Commissioner Jagriti Kalwar, who presided over the programme, described Tarun Ram Phukan as a visionary whose courage, leadership and public service shaped the socio-political consciousness of Assam. She said the younger generation must become familiar with his life and ideals so that his spirit of sacrifice and commitment to the nation remains alive in public memory.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Ashraf Hussain, Head of the Department of Assamese Literature, G.C. University, Silchar, presented a comprehensive account of Tarun Ram Phukan’s remarkable journey as a freedom fighter and literary personality. He stated that Phukan’s life represented a rare combination of scholarship, patriotism and creative expression. Referring to his collection of devotional poems written during imprisonment, Stutimala, Dr Hussain said the work reflected the strength of a revolutionary mind that transformed literature into an instrument of national awakening. He also highlighted Phukan’s historic role in the 1926 Indian National Congress Session at Pandu, Guwahati describing it as a defining moment that placed Assam prominently within the national freedom movement. He appealed to scholars and students to revisit Phukan’s literary works and incorporate his ideals into contemporary academic and civic discourse.

Eminent writer and columnist Dipankar Ghosh captivated the audience with a vivid narration of Tarun Ram Phukan’s role in India’s struggle for independence. He recalled that during his imprisonment in Silchar Jail in 1921, Phukan composed devotional hymns and patriotic verses that were later published as Stutimala.

Offering a legal and constitutional perspective on Tarun Ram Phukan’s life, senior advocate and Vice-President of the District Bar Association, Tuhina Sharma described him as far more than a political leader. She portrayed him as an outstanding lawyer, statesman and visionary who regarded the law not as a privilege for the powerful but as a means of securing justice for the weak. Tracing his journey from legal practice at the Chief Court in Shillong to his leadership in the Assam Legislative Council, she said Tarun Ram Phukan consistently upheld constitutional values, peaceful public engagement and the dignity of every individual.

Drawing from his life and philosophy, Tuhina Sharma stated that before there can be law, there must be liberty, before there can be rights, there must be freedom; and before there can be justice, there must always be brave men and women prepared to defend it. She described Tarun Ram Phukan’s greatest legacy as not merely political but moral, saying he taught succeeding generations that courage inspires courage, integrity never fades, leadership begins with sacrifice and true greatness is rooted in selfless service. Urging young citizens to become worthy inheritors of the freedom earned by leaders like him, she called upon lawyers, administrators and students to uphold justice, humanity and integrity in their daily lives. Concluding her address, she reminded the audience that heroes do not seek remembrance, they ask future generations to continue the unfinished mission of nation-building, keeping alive the torch they once carried.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sujit Kumar Tiwari, Principal of Women’s College, Silchar, described Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan as one of the foremost architects of Assam’s freedom movement who willingly sacrificed personal comfort, wealth and professional success for the larger cause of national awakening. He said Phukan was not only a distinguished freedom fighter but also an accomplished litterateur, poet and thinker whose writings in literary journals such as Jonaki and his published works remain enduring testimonies to the spirit of nationalism and social consciousness. Dr Tiwari stated that Tarun Ram Phukan believed language should serve as a bridge of unity rather than a source of division. Recalling a notable episode from the freedom movement, he said Phukan skilfully translated Mahatma Gandhi’s public address into Assamese, enabling Gandhiji’s message to reach the people of the region more effectively. He also highlighted Tarun Ram Phukan’s courageous stand against the atrocities committed on tea garden workers in the Surma Valley and recalled his active participation alongside Nabin Chandra Bardoloi in serving the people during the prolonged railway and steamer strike that followed the historic Chandpur incident. Calling upon students to draw inspiration from the great patriot’s life, Dr Tiwari said true patriotism lies in showing equal respect to every language, every community and every culture. He urged the younger generation to embrace the ideals of unity, selfless service, sacrifice and strong national character that Tarun Ram Phukan embodied stating that these values continue to offer meaningful direction for building a stronger and more inclusive India.

In his address, Vijay Sonar, Principal of Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan Higher Secondary School highlighted the immense responsibility of an institution that proudly bears the name of the great patriot. He said Tarun Ram Phukan’s life remains a timeless lesson in patriotism, sacrifice and nation-building, adding that teachers must continue to instil these ideals among students through education and character-building. He also expressed appreciation to the District Administration and the Information & Public Relations Department for organising a meaningful tribute to the legendary leader.

Dr Apratim Naug, Principal of Cachar College, Silchar, also spoke on the occasion, recalling Tarun Ram Phukan’s unwavering commitment to India’s freedom struggle and his lasting contribution to Assam’s social, political and literary heritage.

Later, the musical presentations by the students of Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan Higher Secondary School and Gurucharan University added a deeply emotional dimension to the observance. Their patriotic songs resonated throughout the conference hall, drawing appreciative applause from the audience and creating an atmosphere of pride, reflection and collective remembrance.

The smooth conduct of the entire programme by announcer Biplab Biswas also added colour and dignity to the occasion.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.