Assam: Desh Bhakti Divas observed in Kokrajhar in memory of Tarun Ram Phukan

Desh Bhakti Divas was observed in Kokrajhar today in memory of patriot Tarun Ram Phukan on his 85th death anniversary. The event, organized by the Kokrajhar District Administration in collaboration with the Information and District Public Relations Office, took place at the Science College Auditorium Kokrajhar.

The programme commenced with floral tributes to Phukan’s portrait, followed by a memorial lecture highlighting his significant contributions to India’s freedom movement. A district level essay competition was organized as part of the programme and later prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners, aimed at fostering patriotism among students.

Key attendees in the programme included Kokrajhar Additional Deputy Commissioner Aditya Subhram Bora, Bodoland University Professor Ratul Deka, Regional Officer cum CHD, IPR, BTC Zahid Ahmed Tapadar, and District Programme Officer Samagra Shiksha Kokrajhar Jahangir Hussain. Teachers and students also participated in the event.

Speaking to media persons, Zahid Ahmed Tapadar emphasized the importance of recognizing Tarun Ram Phukan’s contributions in Indian National Freedom Movement. “We observed Desh Bhakti Divas today in recognition of the invaluable contribution of Tarun Ram Phukan. In 2021, under the leadership of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, a decision was made to observe Tarun Ram Phukan’s death anniversary on July 28 as Desh Bhakti Divas every year. Following this decision, we commemorated Desh Bhakti Divas today to honor Tarun Ram Phukan. The event was organized by Kokrajhar District Administration in coordination with the Information and District Public Relations Office. As part of the Divas, an essay competition was held for school children. The event aimed to instill a sense of patriotism among the public and children,” Tapadar stated.

Tarun Ram Phukan was born on 22 January 1877 in Assam and popularly called Deshbhakta, as he was a patriot who wore his love for his country on his sleeve. After his schooling at the Cotton Collegiate School in Guwahati and his higher studies at the Presidency College in Calcutta, he went to London where he studied Law and earned a Bar-at-Law degree. Phukan then returned to India and served as a lecturer at Earle Law College in Guwahati. Inspired by Gandhiji, Phukan gave up his practice to join the national freedom movement. He was the leading organizer of the non-cooperation movement and the Khilafat movement in Assam.