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KOKRAJHAR: The Rupnath Brahma Trust, in collaboration with the Kokrajhar Primary Bodo Sahitya Sabha, observed the 57th death anniversary of tribal political icon and former Minister of Assam Rupnath Brahma at Pragati Bhavan in the heart of Kokrajhar town on Thursday morning. A brief memorial lecture was also held in the auditorium hall where a host of prominent personalities delivered on his contributions to the society and the tribal people as a whole.
As part of the programme, the floral tribute was paid by the grandnephew of the late Brahma, Sanjib Brahma. In his brief speech, Sanjib Brahma said the late Rupnath Brahma was the first Bodo law graduate, first MLA, and first minister of the Bodo community who served the longest term as a tribal cabinet minister. He was a cabinet minister of Assam from 1938 to 1967 and became an MP when he died due to a heart attack in 1968. He also said that the late Brahma had deep love for Bodo culture and tradition, as he used to be in company with local villagers to enjoy and dance with them in Bwisagu/Bihu, Domachi/Magh Bihu celebrations and other cultural programmes.
In his speech, the president of Boro Somaj Benudhar Basumatary said late Rupnath Brahma was not only the first MLA, minister, and law graduate but also the architect of Kokrajhar town. He said the late Brahma was a writer, a noted poet, a religious scholar, and a social reformer. He led the tribal reformative agenda and worked relentlessly for the welfare of the tribal communities.
Late Brahma was born on June 15, 1902, in Owabari village, attached to Kokrajhar town, and died on January 23, 1968, in Patakata village due to a heart attack. He served as cabinet minister of Assam for 29 years and also held the health department. In respect of his contributions, the 200-bedded Rupnath Brahma Civil Hospital in the heart of Kokrajhar town was dedicated to his name.
The memorial lecture was also addressed by the chairperson of the Kokrajhar Municipal Board, Pratibha Brahma. She said the new generation must know about his dedication towards social reformation, tribal political revolution, and literary as well as cultural works. She also said Rupnath Brahma Memorial Park will come up very soon in Kokrajhar.
The programme was also spoken by Professor of Kokrajhar Govt. College Gobinda Basumatary and attended by Principal of Kokrajhar Basic Training Centre Swmdwn Brahma, retired Professor of Kokrajhar Govt College Dr. Anjali Basumatary, and other eminent personalities.
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