Assam CM inaugurates Convention Centre and unveils statues of martyrs at Martyr’s Memorial Park in Dhekiajuli

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 21, 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inaugurated the Convention Centre at the Martyr’s Memorial Park in Dhekiajuli. Alongside this, he unveiled the statues of the martyrs of Dhekiajuli who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Quit India Movement of 1942, etching their legacy into the annals of India’s struggle for independence.

The state government had allocated approximately Rs 11.94 crores in the 2020-21 budget for the construction of the Martyr’s Memorial Park and Convention Centre at Dhekiajuli, to preserve the memory of the martyrs whose sacrifices have become immortal.

The project, initiated on October 12, 2020, is now open to the public, providing a space where future generations could draw inspiration from the heroism and patriotism of the past.

At the event, organised by the Cultural Affairs Department with the active cooperation of the Sonitpur district administration, Sarma emphasised the undivided Darrang district’s significant role in India’s freedom movement.

He underscored that the acts of bravery exhibited by the people of Darrang during key movements such as the Non Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement of 1942 remain a shining example of nationalism and sacrifice.

The Chief Minister offered deep reverence for the martyrs, vowing that their contributions will be forever remembered.

Sarma highlighted the present government’s ongoing efforts to rediscover and honour Assam’s rich historical legacy.

He pointed to initiatives such as the renaming of roads in Dhekiajuli in honour of the martyrs, the establishment of the Convention Centre at the Martyr’s Memorial Park, as well as the unveiling of the statues of the martyrs of Dhekiajuli, as part of a broader vision to bring to light the hidden history of the region.

He referred to key projects like the celebration of Lachit Borphukan’s 400th birth anniversary, the proposed Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University in Gohpur, installation of Lachit Borphukan’s statue in Jorhat, and the proposed revamping of the Jorhat Central Jail into a Freedom Movement Park, as significant milestones in promoting Assam’s historical relevance on the global stage.

The Chief Minister also noted that UNESCO’s recognition of Charaideo Maidam as a World Heritage Site symbolises the state government’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding and advancing Assam’s heritage and identity on the world platform. He reiterated that Dhekiajuli, with its wealth of mythological and historical significance, remains a testament to the historical evolution and journey of Assam.

The Chief Minister moreover said that in the freedom movement of the nation, Dhekiajuli had an indelible contribution. He said that the sequel of incidents where the freedom fighters from Dhekiajuli took part in their bid to root out the foreign powers from the land and the consequent high handedness of the British Administration in India perpetrated on them were not highlighted as much as they should have been. As a result, the young generation of the country is deprived of the much desired information of the role and dedication of the freedom fighters. However, the efforts of Minister Ashok Singhal in giving financial assistance to the families of the martyrs, installing the statues of 11 martyrs, christening the roads in their name etc brought their contribution to the fore.

Sarma also asked Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora to take steps in preparing a film highlighting the contribution of Dhekiajuli in India’s independence moment. Stating that so many facets associated with the incident of 20 September still are in darkness, he asked Dhekiajuli College to take up research work on the 20 September incident, highlighting the reasons leading to the incidents and its aftermath. He on the occasion also informed that on 2 October, Dhekiajuli will be upgraded to a sub-district.

Minister Housing and Urban Affairs Ashok Singhal, Minister Cultural Affairs Bimal Bora, MLAs Ganesh Limbu, Prithviraj Rabha, Krishna Kamal Tanti, and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited Bazera Higher Secondary School and took stock of the construction.

In line with its agenda of improving academic infrastructure, the Assam government is constructing new buildings of 500 schools across the state.