Nagaon : 'Deshbhakti Divas' was observed with due solemnity in Nagaon through a commemorative lecture programme organised by the Nagaon District Administration in collaboration with the Office of the District Information and Public Relations Officer. The event paid tribute to the life, legacy, and invaluable contributions of freedom fighter and nationalist leader Tarun Ram Phukan.
Inaugurating the programme, Nagaon District Commissioner Debashish Sharma said that Tarun Ram Phukan’s immense sacrifices for the nation deserve to be remembered and honoured by every generation.
He noted that Phukan willingly gave up his successful legal practice, comfortable lifestyle, and personal wealth in the service of India’s freedom movement. Stressing the relevance of his ideals in the present day, Sharma urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from Phukan’s unwavering commitment to the nation and society.
The lecture programme, held at the Conference Hall of the Nagaon Zila Parishad, featured two distinguished speakers. Professor Shiromoni Hazarika, Head of the Department of History at Nagaon University, delivered a lecture on “The Political Ideology of Tarun Ram Phukan,” while retired Professor Sharat Hazarika spoke on “Tarun Ram Phukan’s Contribution to the Social Life of Assam.”
In his address, Professor Sharat Hazarika observed that Tarun Ram Phukan played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian National Congress in Assam.
He also remarked that despite his significant contributions, Phukan later became a victim of factional politics within the Congress and suffered defeat twice in elections to the Central Legislative Council at the hands of Congress candidates. He further highlighted Phukan’s relentless campaign against the opium menace in Assam and his progressive outlook towards social reform. According to Hazarika, Phukan recognised the importance of sex education at a time when Assamese society remained deeply conservative and even authored a book advocating healthy sexual awareness, thereby challenging prevailing social norms.
Professor Shiromoni Hazarika highlighted several lesser-known aspects of Tarun Ram Phukan’s life. He stated that Phukan declined a marriage proposal from Rabindranath Tagore’s family out of self-respect and his deep attachment to Assam. Despite belonging to an aristocratic family, he embraced a life of hardship and adventure as a hunter in the forests and was also known for his exceptional literary talent.
Welcoming the gathering, District Information and Public Relations Officer Bikash Sharma said that the Government of Assam, under the initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been observing July 28 as Patriotism Day for the past six years in recognition of Tarun Ram Phukan’s extraordinary contribution to strengthening Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom movement in Assam. He added that the annual observance seeks to create greater public awareness about the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of the eminent freedom fighter. While conducting the programme, Sharma also highlighted various milestones in Phukan’s inspiring life and public service.
The programme commenced with District Commissioner Debashish Sharma paying floral tributes to the portrait of Tarun Ram Phukan and lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Among those present on the occasion were Manoj Sikaria, Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Parishad; Gurmail Singh, Editor of Kolongpar; Jiten Borkotoky, President of the Nagaon Press Club; besides journalists, students, government officials, employees, and a large number of members of the public.
