There are many famous personalities of Assam. Some of these public figures are famous all over India. Many popular administrators, diplomats, justices, scholars, academicians, activists, journalists, politicians, radio personalities, religious leaders, naturalists, and other figures have gained a huge success among the people of India. Some of them are Baharul Islam, Anowara Taimur, Mrinal Miri, Indra Miri, Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Jatin Bora, Kopil Bora, Asha Bordoloi, Kanaklata Barua, Bagh Hazarika, Kaushal Konwar, and many others. These famous personalities of Assam have made the people of Assam proud. All the hard work and the sacrifices they made were worth the effort.
Kanaklata Barua
Kanaklata Barua is also known as Shaheed and Birbala. She was born on 22 December 1924. She was a leader of the AISF. She was also an activist for Indian independence. She was shot dead in the Quit India movement in 1942. She was raising the national flag of India at the moment when the imperial police shot her. In her honour, Barua’s sculpture is made at Bongabari, located in Gohpur. Kanaklata was only 17 years old when she died. She gave her life for the country’s independence at such a young age. She is an inspiration to many people and girls.
Hema Bharali
She was born on 19 February 1919. She was a social leader as well as an Indian freedom activist. She is popular for her contribution to the improvement of society. She worked hard to empower women and make them aware of their rights. She also worked for the people who were not supported in society. She was also a part of the Sino-Indian war in 1962. The government awarded her the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, in 2005. She also received other awards like the National Harmony Award. She brought a significant change in society by hearing and completing the needs of the underprivileged. She always encouraged other people and women to fight for themselves and get equal rights as others.
Radha Govinda Baruah
Radha Govinda Baruah founded the Assam Tribune. He was an enterprising person who first had the idea to launch an English newspaper with the help of some acquaintances and friends. He initially founded an English weekly newspaper in 1939. The Assam tribune was later founded in 1939. Apart from this, he was also a sports enthusiast. He was the president of the Assam Cricket Association for more than ten years. The Nehru stadium, located in Guwahati, was built under his leadership. He is also called the architect of modern Assam. He brought many changes and developments to the society of Assam. The Government of India, in 2000, also recognised him with a postage stamp released in his honour .
Akhil Gogoi
He is the present leader of Assam. He is also an RTI activist. He has led many movements in the state; he was awarded an integrity award in 2008. He won this award for his fight against corruption. He was given the National Right to Information Award in 2010 by the Public Cause Research Foundation. He is also the founder of KMSS, a peasant organisation in Assam.
Maniram Dewan
He was a nobleman under the British rule of India. He established tea gardens in Assam. He was a staunch opponent of the British East India company and conspired against them. Britishers punished him and hanged him for conspiring against them in 1857. He was famous in upper Assam.
Sati Sadhani
She was a legendary queen in the 15th century. She played a significant role in fighting against the Ahoms. She sacrificed her life and died by jumping from the hills of Chandragiri in 1524. The Sati Sadhani award is awarded to someone who has made an incredible contribution to literature, art, and culture. She also created a fighting squad of 120 female fighters.
Kali Charan Brahma
He was one of the most popular religious and social reformers of the 20th century. He was a reformer of Bodo society. He propagated a new religion known as Brahmo dharma in 1906. He fought against colonial imperialism. He also founded Boro Satra Sanmilanni . He worshipped only one god in the form of fire.
Dipankar Bhattacharjee
He is a famous badminton player from the state of Assam. He made India proud by representing India at many international tournaments. He took part in the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics. The first time he was the champion of the Indian National Badminton Championship. He is popular all over India. He also has been nominated for the Arjuna award many times.
Shiva Thapa
He is a well-known Indian boxer who participated in the London Olympics held in 2012. He was the only young boxer from India who qualified for the Olympics. He also won a gold medal in the Asian Games. Currently, he is an account manager in Midland Credit Management.
He also won a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympic Test in 2019. He won a silver medal in the Asian Amateur Boxing Championship in 2017. He won a bronze medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championship.
Ranjan Gogoi
He is a former Indian judge of the supreme court of India. He was the 46th Chief Justice of India. He was the first person from Assam and the whole northeast to be a part of the Supreme Court of India. He also wrote an autobiography which was called Justice for the Judge. He was also nominated for the Rajya Sabha by President Ramnath Kovind. His last case was on 17th November 2019, before his retirement.
Conclusion
There are many prominent figures in Assam. They are well known for the changes and revolution they brought to society. Whether in academics, sports, activism, or any other field, these popular personalities of Assam are famous all over India. One such famous activist is Kanaklata Barua. She was just 17 years old when she fought against Britishers and was shot dead as she was waving India’s flag.