Darrang District Divas celebrated at Mangaldai

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: To commemorate the date of publication of the government notification on June 14 of 1983 declaring the creation of Darrang district with its headquarters at Mangaldai along with the newly-created Udalguri subdivision carving it out from erstwhile Darrang district with the headquarters at Tezpur, Darrang district administration celebrated the first Darrang District Divas with a day-long detailed colourful programme at District Library auditorium here on Tuesday.

Enthusiasm was witnessed among a cross-section of the society, including the officials of the district administration, to join the celebration with music, dance, folk art, photography exhibition, stall of self help groups and felicitation to prominent personalities for their immense contribution in different fields.

The British East India Company after the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, had created Darrang district with its headquarters at Mangaldai in 1833. But in 1835, the British shifted the headquarters to Tezpur and this administrative arrangement lasted up to June 30, 1983 as the Mangaldai Civil subdivision was upgraded to a full-fledged with effect from July 1, 1983. As per the instructions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Darrang district administration celebrated the Darrang District Divas on June 14, the date of publication of the notification.

The day-long celebration began with a cleanliness drive campaign with the active participation of citizens, students and officials. Darrang Deputy Commissioner Pranab Kumar Sarma ceremonially inaugurated the celebration by lighting a lamp in the traditional way and released the souvenir Megha Mallar edited by Additional Deputy Commissioner Jonti Deka and DIPRO Swakhyar Deka. A short documentary on the history and legacy and cultural heritage of Darrang district was also screened in the function.

In his inaugural speech, Darrang Deputy Commissioner Pranab Kumar Sarma recalled the rich cultural heritage of the district and paid his tributes to the 140 Krishak Swahid who attained martyrdom in the hands of trigger-happy tyrant British rulers at the historic Peasants uprising at Pothorughat on January 28,1894.

"The freedom fighters of the district, namely Pandit Dineswar Sarma, Ratneswar Sarma, Tankeswar Sarma, Pani Ram Das and others, taking the spirit from the supreme sacrifice of the Krishak Swahids of Pothorughat, led the people of the district to join the freedom movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The district is also widely known for the traditional communal harmony and integrity even in the critical hours of conflict and crisis. Today I feel proud to render my sincere and humble service to the people of the district," said Deputy Commissioner Sarma. He also mentioned the progress of the Gorukhuti Agriculture Project which is an eye opener to the educated unemployed youth of the State to get involved in agriculture in a scientific and modern way.

Addressing the function, media person Bhargab Kumar Das laid stress on the need of a complete history of Darrang district so that the people of the district, particularly the younger generation could be able to get the accurate information on the district.

The pioneer industries group SRD Group of Companies and prominent persons, namely first MBBS holder of the district Dr. Sirajul Hoque (Medical and Health), Dr. Nagendra Nath Sarma (historian), Dr. Amarendra Narayan Deb (social activist and member of Koch Royal family), Idrish Ali (lyricist and litterateur), Biren Medhi (Sports), Kulendra Chandra Nath (folk artiste), Buddhi Deka (teacher), Jibendra Mohan Deva Sarma (music), Rup Shikha Saloi (danseuse), Dr. Bijoy Kumar Sarma (researcher), Nefsa Group Farmer Producer Company (agriculture), Dulu Moni Kalita (Handicraft), Kiron Boro (social activist and beauty), Prasanta Baruah (Journalism) and both the rank holders in the HSLC examination were offered felicitation in the function in recognition of their immense contribution to the district.

In the function well anchored by artiste of repute, Pranjal Sarma, besides different cultural groups, a Bihu team comprising Additional Deputy Commissioners Pallabi Kachari and Jonti Deka, Assistant Commissioner Rini Hazarika, Circle Officer Dorothy Debroy and other female employees enthralled the audience with their excellent performance.

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