Reopening of Nabin Bardoloi library demanded, life size statue of Karmavir urged

Guwahati: A national level patriotic people’s forum demanded the immediate reopening of Karmavir Nabin Chandra Bardoloi library for the common people in general and book lovers in particular. In a meeting on the occasion of Karmavir’s 82nd death anniversary at Guwahati Press Club on 15 February, the Assam chapter of All India Patriotic Forum also emphasized on installing a life size statue of the great patriot in an appropriate location of the prehistoric city. Various speakers in the meeting highlighted the struggle, moral courage and achievement of Karmavir (1875 – 1936) paying rich tributes to the freedom fighter, political stalwart and patriotic writer. Addressing the meeting as the appointed speaker, senior journalist Dhirendra Nath Chakravartty described Nabin Bardoloi as one of the most outstanding national leaders of the pre-Independence era.

Padmashri Ajay Dutta, academician Dr Jagadindra Raychoudhury, AIPF Assam unit president Rupam Barua, social worker Jaharal Saha with many others remembered Karmavir for his tireless initiative for the nation and paid heartfelt tributes to ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi.

Born on 30 October at North Guwahati Karmavir cleared his early education at Tezpur and later shifted to Kolkata for graduation in arts from Presidency College and law from Ripon College. He emerged as a prominent leader from Assam in Gandhiji’s non-cooperation movement. From 1921 to 1929, Bardoloi was arrested twice and sent to the prison for many months.

By 1934, Bardoloi was elected to the Indian Legislative Assembly and bestowed the responsibility of a spokesman for the opposition. Two years later he died on 15 February. Bardoloi was associated with the endeavour to establish the Cotton College and Earle Law College in Guwahati. He attended the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1920. Later he gave up his practices (law) and joined in the freedom movement.

The memorial meeting witnessed a number of patriotic songs, including one composed by Karmavir, were performed by Anindita Choudhry, Ruma Barua, Kishor Giri, Nava Thakuria, Namrata Dutta, Ranjita Rabha, Azlina Khanam, Kulageeta Saud etc in presence of journalist Ranen Kumar Goswami, Manoj Deka, Ranjib Sarma, senior citizens Uttam Barua, Hemchandra Sarma etc.