OUR CORRESPONDENT
SIVASAGAR: The newly instituted Bhimbor Deuri Award-2019 by the Assam Government will be conferred on renowned linguist and educationist Dr. Bhimkanta Baruah.
The award ceremony will be held at Rojabari High School Playground, Bam-Rojabari near Nitaipukhuri in Sivasagar district on November 30 on the occasion of the 72nd death anniversary of Jananeta Bhimbor Deuri.
The award will be handed over by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function to be organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, in collaboration with Sivasagar district administration, Deuri Autonomous Council and All Assam Deuri Students’ Union. State Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley, Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Topon Kumar Gogoi, Thowra MLA Kushal Duwori and Chief Executive Member of Deuri Autonomous Council Madhab Deuri among others will attend the award ceremony.
Born on May 16, 1903, Deuri was one of the main architects of the Khasi Darbar Hall Resolutions created on March 21-March 23, 1945 where indigenous leaders of different ethnic identities adopted resolutions to restore their independent homelands against Indian occupation. His vision was that tribes should have the essence of freedom and independence. His vision was attuned to marginalized communities. He helped found the General Secretary of Assam Tribal League in 1933. He worked to ensure that indigenous Assamese people be allotted land pattas. He complained on behalf of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to members into the general dining halls of universities in June 18, 1941 while criticizing improper mass literacy campaign during the Assam Legislative Council budget session. Deuri, a champion of the rights of the indigenous communities, died on November 30, 1947.