Birth centenary Celebration of Mahitosh Purkayastha begins at Silchar

Our Correspondent

Silchar, July 29: If one goes through the life and times of Mahitosh Purkayastha, former MP, minister, MLA, freedom fighter, trade union leader, social activist, journalist, president of the governing bodies of Gurucharan College and Arun Kumar Chanda Law College as well as other educational institutions, he will realize even a seminal tome on his life will not be enough to do justice to the chequered career of this towering figure. Mahitosh Purkayastha Birth Centenary Celebration Committee which is located at Nazirpatty of this town began its yearlong programme to commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary Mahitosh Purkayastha.

Despite an inclement weather and between the interplay of sun and cloud began the programme. The great leader’s family members and well-wishers paid floral tributes to his portrait at a small function held at the entrance of Goldighi Mall, Silchar.

Later, municipal commissioner Birobroto Roy in his speech assured that he would request the chairman and authorities concerned of Silchar Municipal Board to erect a statue of Mahitosh Purkayastha who was a man of versatile personality. It was senior journalist Prof Jyoti Lal Chowdhury who threw light on the brilliant political career and holistic and humanely approach of Mahitosh Purkayastha.

Jyoti Lal Chowdhury said, “Mahitosh Purkayastha’s life itself is a message. Such ideal and charismatic leader is nowhere to be found these days. His selfless service towards the humankind was exceptional. He lived a simple life and held his head high. He was born on July 29, 1919 at Bagbari village in Karimganj. The great soul did not hanker after money. After his demise, his bank balance stood at Rs.832 only. His room at Nazirpatty had a cot, a chair and table as well as some steel trunks stacked with books, documents and files. It is a pity that this generation knows so little about Mahitosh Purkayastha.

Jyoti Lal Chowdhury further said that Mahitosh Purkayastha had been in jail for three times and plunged into India’s freedom struggle at the age of 14. “He wanted to serve the country. He had no personal interest. As the chairman of Silchar Municipal Board, he used to visit all the 25 wards every Sundays. Mahitosh Purkayastha used to walk on foot”, he added to say.

The programme began with a beautifully rendered song by Anindita Dutta Banik. Later, a sit-and-draw competition was held at DNNK School of this town.