Banga Sahitya honours real life heroes of language movement of 1961

May 18: A programme entitled ‘Uneesh er Abahon’ was organised by Cachar District Committee of Barak Upottoka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan at Banga Bhavan, Silchar on 18 May, 2019 at 6.30 PM. In this programme, Ibtan Sharma, Satyajay Barman, Rohini Barman, Abid Raja Mazumdar, Karnendu Bhattacharjee and Shelly Roy Choudhury were felicitated for their immense contribution during the Language Movement of 1961. However, in the absence of Karnendu Bhattacharjee, Simanta Bhattacharjee received the honour.

58 years ago on 19 May, 1961, eleven persons laid down their lives at Silchar Railway Station for the restoration of Bengali language. Since then, the day is observed throughout Barak Valley as Language Martyr’s Day. It is the ultimate sacrifice made by them which inspires posterity to fight against linguistic aggression even after 5 long decades.

Apart from the 11 martyrs of 1961, there were many others who played a pivotal role in the language movement. Barak Upottoka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan has therefore come forward to honor six such brave hearts, who were the real soldiers of the language movement.

Speaking during the occasion, President of Cachar District Committee of Barak Upottoka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan,Taimur Raja Choudhury said that the Sammelan is honoured being able to honour the brave-hearts. Presiding over the felicitation ceremony, Taimur Raja Choudhury said, “The language movement of 1961 cannot be confined to just a movement for Bengali language, rather its ramification was much wide. ’19 May’ signifies the movement for claiming rights of every linguistic community. Today’s felicitation ceremony gives testimony to this fact.”

The brave-hearts who were honoured by Banga Sahitya in their speeches highlighted their personal experiences. The programme was compered by Sabyasachi Purkayasthya. The second part of the programme was cultural presentation by various artists. The 2nd part of the programme was compered by Amit Sikidar.