Gorkhas pay tribute to this braveheart who epitomizes patriotism and sacrifice and is the manifestation of the fearless Gorkha.
Bijoy Ghimire
The Greater Maligaon Anchalik Samity, under the aegis of All Assam Gorkha Students Union organized a daylong program on 25th August, 2016 at Lakshmi Nath Baruah Sadan on the auspicious occasion of Balidan Divas, that is the day when Major Durga Malla was martyred. Major Durga Malla was first to be martyred from Indian National Army. He was caught at Kohima on March 27th 1944 when he was collecting information about the enemy camps. Shaheed Major Durga Malla was sentenced to death by the court of trial at Red Fort, New Delhi and was sent to the gallows on 25th August, 1944.
Gorkhas across India observe 25th of August every year as Balidan Divas, remembering the sacrifice made by Major Durga Malla for the independence of India. It is a day when the Gorkhas pay tribute to this braveheart who epitomizes patriotism and sacrifice and is the manifestation of the fearless Gorkha.
The organizers in this program also recognized and felicitated those Gorkhas who contributed in some way or the other in enhancing and maintaining the pride of the Gorkha community in Assam. The organizers told this reporter that every year new faces within the Gorkha Community who have left an indelible mark in uplifting the community would be identified and would be duly felicitated on the day of the Balidan Divas. “This kind of practice will give positive energy to the community and will help in consolidating the rich cultural roots of the Gorkhas of Assam”, says one of the coordinators of the programme.
Moreover, the outstanding feature of this uniquely organized programme was the much needed career counseling session for the students. Gopal Sharma (who recently cracked APSC exams), Dr. Khagen Sharma and Dr.Hem Chandra Gautam left no stone unturned in clearing the doubts and infusing enthusiasm and confidence in young curious minds of the students present on the occasion.
The other dignitaries who overwhelmed the audience by their electrifying speech on this remarkable day were Retd. Prof Sibnath Sharma, MP Mr. R P Sharma, Dr. Indu Prava Devi and Kishore Upadhyaya.
