GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday lauded the role played by 'Deshbhakta' Tarun Ram Phukan in the nation's struggle for Independence.
Attending the Deshbhakti Divas organized by the Information & Public Relations Department at the Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan Park at Bharalumukh here as the chief guest, Sarma paid homage to the freedom fighter on his 83rd death anniversary. He said, "Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan is one of the greatest freedom fighters who has engraved his name with golden letters in the pages of the history of India's struggle for Independence."
Terming him a great humanitarian figure, the Chief Minister lauded Tarun Ram Phukan for his service towards uplift of the socially-deprived sections of the society. Sarma further said that the nation and its people would remain forever grateful to Tarun Ram Phukan for his contribution towards the freedom struggle.
"To honour this great son of Bharat Mata for his contribution towards national freedom struggle, we (the Government of Assam) last year decided to celebrate this day of every year as Deshbhakti Divas. I am confident initiatives such as this would act as motivation for the youths to dedicate their lives towards national interests," the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister further stated that Tarun Ram Phukan - a political analyst, impactful orator, a skilled hunter and literary figure - together with Nabin Chandra Bardoloi and Chandranath Sarma played a significant role in joining Assam with the mainstream national struggle of that period.
"During Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Assam, Tarun Ram Phukan accompanied the national leader to various locations within the State. Tarun Ram Phukan travelled to nooks and corners of Assam to raise the awareness of the people against imperial rule," Sarma stated, adding: "Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan believed that Swaraj (self-rule) would be a potent weapon to empower the nation and its people. He worked towards achieving that end throughout his life."
Tarun Ram Phukan's grandchild Dr Hemendra Ram Phukan and Information & Public Relations Department Commissioner & Secretary Diganta Barah also delivered speeches at today's event. IPRD Minister Pijush Hazarika, Mayor of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) Mrigen Sarania, Director of Information & Public Relations Bishnu Kamal Bora, Tarun Ram Phukan's grandson Jiten Ram Phukan and granddaughter Indrani Baruah were also present on the occasion, among others.
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