A Historic Tribute to Assam’s Forgotten Freedom Fighter
In a significant moment for Assam’s history and cultural identity, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, unveiled a life-sized statue of freedom fighter Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya in Guwahati. The statue has been installed at Dispur, near the MLA Hostel, marking a long-awaited recognition of a leader whose contributions played a crucial role in Assam’s freedom movement and social awakening.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by government officials, community leaders, historians, and members of the Gorkha community, all of whom described the occasion as a proud and emotional moment for Assam.
Who Was Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya?
Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya was born in 1882 and rose to prominence as a self-educated Gorkha leader during India’s freedom struggle. Despite having limited formal education, he emerged as a powerful voice for social justice, political participation, and cultural recognition in Assam.
He is remembered for:
- Serving as the first President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee
- Leading volunteer groups during the freedom movement
- Actively supporting the Assamese language and identity
- Enduring multiple imprisonments by British authorities for his nationalist activities
Historians often describe Upadhyaya as an “unsung hero” whose contributions were significant but did not always receive the attention they deserved in mainstream historical narratives.
Statue Installed at Dispur: Location with Symbolic Value
The statue has been installed in Dispur, the political heart of Assam and the seat of the state government. Placing the statue near the MLA Hostel was a deliberate choice, symbolising the connection between Assam’s present-day governance and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters like Upadhyaya.
The statue is life-sized and designed to reflect Upadhyaya’s simplicity, determination, and leadership qualities. Officials said the site is expected to become a point of historical interest for students, researchers, and visitors.
CM Calls the Statue a “Shrine of a Glorious Life”
During the unveiling ceremony, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the statue as a “shrine to celebrate the glorious life” of Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya. He said the memorial is not just a structure of stone or metal but a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to society.
The Chief Minister also noted that the statue fulfills a long-standing public demand and an election promise to honour freedom fighters from diverse communities who contributed to Assam’s development and India’s independence.
Recognition of the Gorkha Community’s Contribution
A key aspect of the event was the recognition of the Gorkha community’s role in Assam’s history. Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya is widely respected within the community for representing their aspirations while working for the broader Assamese society.
Community leaders praised the state government for acknowledging a leader who bridged cultural identities and worked for unity. They said the statue sends a strong message of inclusion and respect for all communities that have shaped Assam.
Proposal to Rename the Area as Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya Chowk
Along with unveiling the statue, the Chief Minister requested that the area around the statue be officially renamed “Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya Chowk.” The proposal has been welcomed by local residents and community organisations.
Renaming the site is seen as an important step in ensuring that future generations remember Upadhyaya’s legacy not just through textbooks, but through everyday public spaces.
Engineering College to Be Named After the Freedom Fighter
In another major announcement, the Assam government revealed plans to name an upcoming engineering college in Behali after Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya. This move is being seen as a meaningful way to connect education with history.
Officials said the college will serve as both an academic institution and a living tribute, inspiring students to learn about leadership, sacrifice, and social responsibility alongside technical education.
A Leader Who Stood for Language and Identity
One of Upadhyaya’s most notable contributions was his strong advocacy for the Assamese language and cultural identity. At a time when Assam was undergoing political and social transformation, he believed that protecting language and culture was essential for unity and self-respect.
Despite belonging to the Gorkha community, he worked tirelessly for the wider Assamese cause, proving that identity and inclusiveness can coexist.
Public Response and Historical Importance
The unveiling ceremony drew praise from historians, social activists, and political observers. Many said the move helps correct historical neglect and brings attention to leaders who worked quietly but effectively.
Students and young attendees expressed hope that such initiatives would encourage deeper interest in Assam’s freedom movement beyond a few well-known names.
Why This Memorial Matters Today
The statue of Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya comes at a time when India is re-examining its freedom struggle and recognising contributions from all regions and communities. Memorials like this help preserve regional history and promote unity through shared heritage.
For Assam, the statue is a reminder that the freedom movement was built by people from diverse backgrounds who believed in justice, equality, and self-rule.
Restoring a Legacy Long Overdue
The unveiling of Babu Chhabilal Upadhyaya’s statue in Guwahati is more than a ceremonial event. It is a step toward restoring the legacy of a leader who sacrificed personal comfort for the greater good of society and the nation.
With the proposed renaming of the site and the upcoming engineering college in his name, Assam has taken a meaningful step in ensuring that this unsung hero’s contributions are remembered, respected, and passed on to future generations.
As Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted, remembering such leaders is not just about honouring the past it is about shaping values for the future.
