Darrang has lost a revered figure in the fields of academia, sports, an ardent social activist, and more particularly a living dictionary, Bichitra Kumar Medhi. The youngest son of the Late Bipin Chandra Medhi, the first Satyagrahi of undivided Darrang district and a distinguished freedom fighter, and Late Snehalata Medhi, the founder Headmistress of Mangaldai Town Girls’ ME School (now Higher Secondary), Bichitra Kumar Medhi passed away at the age of 75 on June 22. A resident of Karim Chowk in Mangaldai town, he was diagnosed with a heart block on June 21. He was scheduled to travel to Guwahati for treatment that evening, but passed away in his sleep around 4am.
Born on April 19, 1950, Late Bichitra Kumar Medhi completed his primary education from North Mangaldai Primary School, secondary education from Mangaldai Government HS School, graduation in Geography from Cotton College, Masters from Guwahati University, and taught for some time at Mangaldai Government Higher Secondary School and Puthimari Higher Secondary School in Kamalpur. He later joined Mangaldai College, where he served as the Head of the Geography Department and subsequently as Principal.
A skilled sports organizer, he was the Vice-President of Mangaldai Sports Association, an advisor to the Darrang District Masters Athletics Association and Vice-President of Darrang District Freedom Fighters Association. He also earned widespread respect from players and the public for his exemplary role as a referee in football tournaments held across Darrang and Udalguri districts.
In the field of journalism, Bichitra Kumar Medhi showcased his versatility as the founding Editor-in-Chief of the weekly newspaper ‘Amar Prahari,’ published from Mangaldai. Additionally, when the editor of the weekly Mangal Batori, Prashant Baruah, was unwell, Medhi took on the editorial responsibilities for three months, ensuring the newspaper’s uninterrupted publication. He also served as the Assistant Editor of the monthly magazine ‘Sundaram’ and edited numerous commemorative volumes. Known for his expertise in Assamese spelling, he was fondly called a ‘dictionary’ by his students and admirers. As the founding President of North Mangaldai Club, former Secretary of North Mangaldai Unnati Sadhini Sabha, a mentor to various organizations, and a master of beautiful handwriting. He tied the nuptial knot with Rita Bora of Shakmuthi in Nagaon on May 7 of 1980. Bichitra Kumar Medhi’s sudden demise has left the entire Darrang district in grief.
As news of his passing spread like wildfire, hundreds gathered at his residence to pay their last respects. Condolences were expressed by Parliamentarian Dilip Kumar Saikia, Legislator Basanta Das, former Parliamentarian Madhab Rajbanshi, Chairman of Mangaldai Development Authority Pratap Bordoloi, Chairperson of Mangaldai Civic body Nirmali Devi Sharma, Mangaldai Chambers of Commerce President Mukul Chandra Deka, Mangaldai Sports Association, Mangaldai Youth Club, North Mangaldai Club, All Darrang District Students’ Association, Mangaldai Media Circle, and others.
His last rites were performed at the Mangaldai Kali Mandir cremation ground. He has left behind his daughter Bismita Medhi, son Bidyum Medhi, son-in-law Sailajananda Saikia, grandchildren, and other relatives.
On this day of Adya Shraddha, I offer my homage to the departed soul. Om Shanti
– Bhargab Kumar Das
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