A CORRESPONDENT
GAURISAGAR: The foundation stone of a full-size statue of the first martyr journalist of Assam, Kamala Saikia was laid by Jorhat MP Tapon Kumar Gogoi at the Gaurisagar Bahumukhi Prakalpa Bhavan premises in Sivasagar on Sunday on the occasion of the 29th death anniversary of the veteran journalist initiated by Assam Press Correspondent Union (APCU), Sivasagar district committee.
APCU Sivasagar district committee had been demanding to set up a full-size statue of the noted journalist since 2009. On the occasion of his 29th death anniversary, a memorial meeting was held under the chairmanship of Padum Kumar Saikia, president of APCU, Sivasagar district committee, while Dr Saumarjyoti Mahanta, noted columnist and Principal of Sibsagar Commerce College, inaugurated the meeting.
Addressing the meeting as a guest of honour, Tapon Kumar Gogoi said that Kamala Saikia was courageous, outspoken and the icon of truthfulness. He had occupied a high position in the society for his noble endeavour and non-compromising attitude in any situation. He also said that the installation of his statue would inspire the upcoming generation.
Lighting the earthern lamp before the portrait of the veteran journalist, Amguri MLA Prodip Hazarika urged people to follow the ideals of Kamala Saikia. Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner Lakhinandan Gogoi recollected the life and works of Kamala Saikia. The statue will be constructed at the cost of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister's untied fund.
Meanwhile, Kamala Saikia was remembered at his birth place Dikhowmukh Guwal Gayn gaon Santibon, the cremation ground of the journalist. Dhananjoy Saikia, the son of Kamala Saikia, lit the lamp in his samadhi kshetra. Other family members of the journalist and Bani Kanta Saikia, former president of Kamala Saikia Smriti Raksha Samiti paid floral tribute to him.
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