Gauhati University on December 15 laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Swahid Bedi, a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Assam Movement. The move signals a renewed effort by the university to preserve the history of the mass agitation that reshaped Assam’s political landscape.
The foundation stone was laid by Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta on the university campus. The Swahid Bedi commemorates individuals who died while protesting to safeguard Assam’s identity and demographic rights during the movement.
The programme also marked the release of Kumud Nath Sarma Rachanavali, a compiled volume of bilingual writings by late academic and activist Kumud Nath Sarma. Published by Lawyer’s Book Stall, Guwahati, the book brings together Sarma’s legal and political writings and highlights his role in the intellectual discourse of the Assam Movement. The event was organised by the Department of Law, Gauhati University, in association with the Kumud Nath Sarma Commemoration Committee.
Addressing the gathering, Mahanta described Sarma as a key intellectual figure of the movement, stating that his ideas played an important role in shaping possible solutions during the agitation. He noted that Sarma successfully combined legal scholarship with active involvement, translating ideology into practical and institutional action.
Former Gauhati High Court judge Biplab Kumar Sharma, who also spoke at the event, said Sarma’s ideas remain relevant even today and highlighted his contributions to Assamese literature in addition to his work in the legal field.
The programme began with a welcome address by Aparajita Baruah, head of the university’s postgraduate law department, while Gaurav Goswami, teaching associate in the department, delivered the vote of thanks.