• Assam witnessed a deeply emotional historic moment with the inauguration of the Swahid Smarak at Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, dedicated to the 855 martyrs of the Assam Movement. 
• The memorial was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, on Swahid Diwas, marking nearly 45 years since the sacrifice of Swahid Khargeswar Talukdar, considered the first martyr of the movement.
  • Swahid Diwas, or Martyrs’ Day, in Assam is observed annually on December 10th.
  • It is dedicated to commemorating the martyrs of the Assam Movement (also known as the Anti-Foreigners Agitation) which took place from 1979 to 1985.
  • December 10th, was chosen because it marks the martyrdom of Khargeswar Talukdar in 1979 in Bhabanipur, Barpeta district. 
  • He is officially recognized as the first martyr of the historic six-year-long Assam Movement (1979-1985).
  • The day was first observed in 1980, one year after Talukdar’s death, by the organizations leading the movement, the AASU and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), to honor his sacrifice and all the subsequent martyrs of the agitation.
• The inauguration ceremony included the lighting of an eternal flame, symbolising continuous remembrance. 
• The programme was telecast statewide, and the iconic patriotic song “Swahid Pranamu Tumak” was performed across districts, reinforcing collective memory and emotional unity.
  • The patriotic Assamese song “Swahid Pranamu Tumak”, was written and composed by the legendary Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
• The memorial has been designed as a living tribute, not merely a symbol of remembrance but a public space where the contribution of martyrs will be preserved culturally and institutionally. 
• The government acknowledged that photographs of approximately 400 martyrs are yet to be identified. 
  • Therefore, empty sections have been deliberately reserved in the memorial structure. 
• A special effort will be undertaken to collect photographs and sketch portraits through family outreach.
• The Chief Minister emphasised that the memorial represents a long-awaited institutional recognition of sacrifice, aligning with the spirit of the Assam Accord. 
• Numerous families of martyrs, cultural organisations and civil society members participated, marking the event as socially significant.
• The Swahid Smarak now stands as a permanent public heritage site, ensuring future generations understand the courage, struggle and aspirations associated with the Assam Movement.

Exam Hook – Prelims

• Swahid Diwas is observed to commemorate martyrs of the Assam Movement.
• Paschim Boragaon is the site of the newly inaugurated Swahid Smarak.
  

MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Swahid Smarak recently inaugurated in Assam:

1. It has been inaugurated to commemorate martyrs of the Assam Movement.
   
2. An eternal flame has been installed at the memorial site.
   
3. The memorial is located in Silchar, Cachar district.
   

Which of the statements is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Source