Seminar on Chidananda Saikia’s legacy and student politics concludes in Bokakhat

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAKHAT: With an aim to revive the thread of progressive student politics in Golaghat-Bokakhat, a special seminar titled ‘Chidananda Saikia’s Role in Progressive Student Movements and Contemporary Student Politics in Golaghat’ was held on Tuesday at the Puwoti Xahitya Xabha Bhavan in Bokakhat. The event was organized by the Assam unit of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).

The session reflected on the life and contributions of the Late Chidananda Saikia, recipient of the Soviet Desh Nehru Award, former General Secretary of the Assam Students’ Federation, a dedicated teacher, and beloved public figure. Revisiting his role in progressive student movements in today’s climate of religious politics and fascist tendencies added a bold and thought-provoking dimension to the event.

The discussion was moderated by Menaka Patgiri, a student of Cotton University. Among the distinguished speakers were Hem Phukan, a renowned thinker, writer, and retired Head of the English Department at Devraj Roy College, Golaghat. Rajdeep Mahanta, youth speaker and SFI state committee member, Sangeeta Das, SFI State Secretary, as a guest of honour, Soneshwar Norah and Pallab Hazarika representing Proyax Adhyayan Chakra, Inju Ahmed and Rinumoni Sharma from Bokakhat National School, Gopikananda Saikia, eldest son of Chidananda Saikia, representing the family, poet-writer Nijora Barthakur, and several other notable individuals and many students.

In his speech, Hem Phukan offered an insightful and reflective analysis on Chidananda Saikia’s involvement in the progressive student movement, tracing his political journey from its beginnings to his vision for the modern development of Bokakhat.

Youth speaker Rajdeep Mahanta, in his address, sharply criticized what he called the fascist policies of the ruling BJP government, especially the ongoing eviction drives. He asserted that these actions were not aimed at protecting Assamese culture and civilization but rather at serving the interests of corporate capitalists. He also discussed the role of SFI in such a political context and the responsibilities of students in studying and understanding marginalized regions.

Another speaker, SFI State Secretary Sangeeta Das announced that the SFI would take steps to re-publish both the published and unpublished writings of Chidananda Saikia. She added that this publication initiative would be officially undertaken at the upcoming SFI State Conference to be held on September 19, 20, and 31 in Jorhat, with support from Bokakhat’s Proyax Adhyayan Chakra.

Before the discussion began, the SFI flag was hoisted by State Secretary Sangeeta Das, and a tribute paid to Chidananda Saikia by his son Gopikananda Saikia. Distinguished guests present at the event were felicitated by Alok Norah, Imon Kalyan, and Arnab Norah.

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