The government will distribute mobile tablets to schools and provide funds for buying books to enhance students' learning experience.
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| Assam Government to Observe 'Students' Day' on Upendra Nath Brahma's Birthday |
Guwahati: The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced that March 31st will be observed as 'Students' Day' in honor of Upendra Nath Brahma's birthday. Brahma, a former leader of the All Bodo Students' Union, was born on March 31, 1956, in Boragari village of Dotma, Kokrajhar district, Assam. As part of this initiative, the government will distribute 52,000 mobile tablets to schools and provide funds of Rs. 1,450 to 3.50 lakh students for purchasing books for the 2022-23 academic year. The aim of this effort is to enhance students' learning experiences and create a digital environment for them.
Upendra Nath Brahma, also known as 'Thopen' during his childhood, grew up in impoverished conditions. He attended several schools, including Dotma High School, Kokrajhar High School, and Sakti Ashram High and Vocational School, and passed the matriculation examination in the first division with letter marks in Mathematics in 1975. He went on to earn a BSc with honours degree in Physics from Cotton College and an MSc degree from Gauhati University in 1981.
Brahma served as the President of the Goalpara District Students Union in 1978-79, and later as vice-president and president of the All Bodo Students Union. Through this organization, he worked tirelessly for the education and wellbeing of the community, which he believed was losing its culture. Under his leadership, the ABSU included political issues as part of its agenda to give political maturity to the students.
Brahma passed away on May 1, 1990, due to blood cancer. He was buried at Dotoma, and the ground where he was laid to rest is now known as "Thulungapuri." He was posthumously conferred with the title of Bodofa (Guardian of Bodos) in recognition of his vision and leadership, and his life is celebrated each year on the anniversary of his death, known as Bodofa Day.
The government's decision to observe Students' Day on Upendra Nath Brahma's birthday is a tribute to his contributions to society and will inspire students to work towards the betterment of their community. The distribution of mobile tablets and funds for books will provide much-needed assistance to students and improve their learning experiences. The bronze statue of Brahma in Kokrajhar serves as a reminder of his remarkable legacy.
