Gorkha community observed Balidan Divas at Tupia

A CORRESPONDENT

JAMUGURIHAT: Balidan Divas was observed at Tupia here with a day-long programme. The Balidan Divas is observed by the Gorkha community people every year throughout India in memory of Major Dugra Malla who was hanged by the British.

The memorial meeting was organized by Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan Temple management and village development committee of Tupia at the Laxmi Narayan Temple premises on Wednesday. The day-long programme began with planting of a tree by Rup Narayan Pathak, a senior writer of Tupia, followed by lighting up the ceremonial lamps by Ashok Kumar Dahal, headmaster of Tupia Panch Gaon Academy. Senior writer Guru Prasad Upadhayaya offered floral tribute in front of the portrait of Gorkha martyr Durga Malla in the morning. The memorial meeting chaired by Prem Chetry, advisor of Asom Gorkha Sanmelan, was addressed by Chandramani Upadhayaya, Sahitya Akademi award winning writer who was the appointed speaker.

During his lecture, Upadhayaya recalled the contributions made by Gorkha sepoy Major Durga Malla. Another speaker, Gyan Bahadur Chetry, a noted critic and Sahitya Akademi awardee, delivered his speech on the topic 'Role of the Gorkhas in the freedom movement of India and in the process of nation building'.

Anjan Baskota, a young writer, attended the meeting as an invited guest and he highlighted different aspects of the community and appealed to the young generation to enhance their contribution towards nation building. Sootea MLA Padma Hazarika, who graced the memorial meeting as a chief guest, released an audio cassette titled Durali 2; a collection of eight patriotic songs. Releasing the audio cassette, MLA Padma Hazarika said, "Gorkhas are part and parcel of the greater Assamese society. The contribution smade by the Gorkha community cannot be forgotten."

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