The Ambikagiri Raichoudhury Memorial Award was presented to:
- Mukul Chandra Deka
- Rajib Kumar Deka
- Anupam Deka
The award was instituted jointly by:
- All Assam Students’ Union (AASU)
- Asam Unnati Sabha
- Asam Sena
Purpose of the Award:
- To honor the legacy of Asom Kesari Ambikagiri Raichoudhury, a revered freedom fighter, poet, and social reformer from Assam.
- Encouraging entrepreneurship and recognizing contributions to Assam’s socio-economic development.
Ambikagiri Raichoudhury: Life and Legacy
- Ambikagiri Raichoudhury, popularly known as ‘Assam Kesari,’ was a renowned Assamese poet, lyricist, singer, prose writer, news worker, magazine editor, patriot, and social worker.
- A leading freedom fighter in India’s independence movement, he left an indelible mark on Assam’s literary, cultural, and political history.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Born in 1885 into the famous Raichoudhury family of Barpeta.
- Parents: Father – Krishnaram Raichoudhury, Mother – Devika Devi.
- Education: After completing primary education in Barpeta, he studied in class VIII in Guwahati.
- Early Activism: Joined the Swadeshi Movement in 1904-05 and participated in social development work.
- Anti-British Activities: Formed a British Opposition Anarchist team with other youths, leading to his capture by the British from 1908-1915.
Role in India’s Freedom Struggle
- Participated actively in the Independence Movement, enduring imprisonment multiple times (1908-1915, 1921, 1930).
- Became a patriotic follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Composed nationalist songs during imprisonment, inspiring freedom fighters.
- Published the drama Bandini Bharat in 1906, which was intercepted by British police, leading to eight years of police vigilance.
Literary Contributions
- Poetry and Prose: Published several poetry books and used his writings as tools for political and social change.
- Editorial Works: Edited Assam Bandhva and Dekaa Asom.
- Patriotic Literature: Authored Songs of the Cell during the 1921 Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Books and Dramas: Published Deka-Dekarir Veda and Ahuti, and the patriotic drama Bandini Bharat.
Social and Cultural Efforts
- Organizations Founded:
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- Asom Songrokhini Sobhaa (Assam Preservation Council).
- Axom Jaatiyo Mohasobhaa.
- Assam Shiksha Prachar Samiti.
- Literary-Cultural Activities: Promoted Assamese folk songs and eradicated Bengali Yatra Naat influences in Barpeta.
- Economic Initiatives: Established Swadeshi Kinok Sangha and Mayabini Chemical Works to encourage economic self-sufficiency among Assamese society.
Significant Political Actions
- Preservation of Assamese Identity: Advocated for the rights of Assamese people against infiltrators.
- Assam Self-Defense Force: Played a critical role during the 1946-47 crisis to prevent Assam’s inclusion in Pakistan, uniting Hindu and Muslim communities.
Recognition and Legacy
- Assam Sahitya Sabha: Served as its President in 1950.
- Sahitya Akademi Award: Received the prestigious award in 1965.
- Ambikagiri Raichaudhuri Award: Instituted by the Assam Sahitya Sabha in his honor.
Demise
- Ambikagiri Raichoudhury passed away on 2 January 1967 at the age of 82, leaving behind a rich legacy of patriotism, literature, and cultural upliftment.
