107th birth anniversary of Rani Gaidinlu observed in Dima Hasao district

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: As the entire nation is celebrating the 'Azadi Ka Amrita Mahotsav' to commemorate the completion of 75th year of the hard earned Independence of our country, the villagers of Boro Haflong in Dima Hasao district under the aegis of 'Mpuilo Boro Haflong Youth' have made all arrangements to celebrate the 107th Birth Anniversary of legendary Freedom Fighter, Padma Bhushan recipient 'Daughter of the Hills' Ranima Gaidinlu with a simple yet august celebration observing all formalities in view of COVID 19 on January 26 coinciding with the Republic Day.

Though Darrang district on the northern bank of river Brahmaputra in no way is connected with Dima Hasao district or Ranima Gaidinlu, but at the initiative of Er Keshab Kumar Sarma of Mangaldai serving in the Railway department at Haflong, a sculptor of high repute Pradip Karmakar of Mangaldai constructed a life size statue of this legendary freedom fighter which was installed at the entry point to New Haflong Railway Station in 2010.

Significantly this statue is the only of its kind in the entire country.

"While I was serving in the Railway department at Haflong, I came to visit the Boro Haflong village and came in close contact with the villagers. I was surprised to know that no statue of this 'Daughter of the Hills' was installed in any place in the country. As per the discussion with the villagers I asked Pradip Karmakar of Mangaldai to construct the life size statue of Ranima Gaidinlu to which all the villagers extended all cooperation and support. It is my privilege to get involved in such a noble venture" said Er Keshab Kumar Sarma.

In this year's celebration of the birth anniversary of Ranima Gaidinlu scheduled on January 26, the villagers have invited journalist Bhargab Kumar Das of 'The Sentinel' as the chief guest and Journalist Ganesh Dutta, Hitesh Hazarika and Dharmendra Narayan Dev of Mangaldai as the guest of honour. Recalling his involvement in the installation of the statue, the villagers have also accorded invitation to Er Keshab Kumar Sarma.

Ranima Gaidinlu, considered as an incarnation of the 'Goddess Cherachamdinliu,' was arrested in 1932 at the young age of 16 and was convicted with life imprisonment by the colonial British rulers. After spending 14 years in different jails, she finally got her release in 1947 after the Independence. This legendary freedom fighter breathed her last in 1993 at the age of 78. She was awarded 'Tamra Patra' in 1972, Padma Bhushan in 1982, Vivekananda Sewa award in 1983 and Birsa Munda Award posthumously.

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