Governor Ajai Singh addresses the gathering as chief minister Tarun Gogoi looks on at Lakhipriya Devi Baruani Children’s Park in Narikalbari on Monday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Feb. 26: When the revolutionary zeal of the 1857-revolt reached Assam, bravehearts Maniram Dewan and Piyali Baruah stood strong and upright and happily kissed death at gallows in Jorhat.

Exactly 149 years later, coinciding with the day of their hanging, the city today paid rich tributes to the martyrs at a function held at Lakhipriya Devi Baruani Children’s Park in Narikalbari. Organised by the Committee for the Commemoration of 15th Anniversary of the First Freedom Struggle of 1857, Assam, the programme was part of the yearlong commemoration of sacrifices by the heroes of the first War of Independence.

The function was inaugurated by Governor Ajai Singh and chief minister Tarun Gogoi was the guest of honour.

“This year is the 150th anniversary of the first War of Independence. We have gathered to pay homage to Assam’s heroes of the 1857 revolt and to remember their sacrifices,” said H.P. Chaliha, general secretary of the committee. “Such events will not only provide us a glance into the past, but also give us a sense of belonging.”

After the inaugural ceremony, the students of Ved Vidyalaya presented a mangaladharam.

Veteran singer Khagen Mahanta and singers of Nigajipump Unnayan Samiti of Ambikagiri Nagar sang Toi Koribo Lagibo..., the legendary song penned by Jyotiprasad Agarwala when the freedom movement was at the zenith. It was so popular at the time that freedom fighters sang the song at public meetings.

Mahanta, along with his singer wife, also sang Sonar Dhuwakhuwat Kaliyoi Maniram Dewan..., the song on the life and sacrifices of Maniram Dewan.

Other martyrs of the 1857 revolt from Assam were Bahadur Gaon Burah, Formud Ali, Mayaram Nazir, Trinayan, Kamala Barua, Madhu Mallik, Dutiram Barua, Piyali Phukan and Gomdhar Konwar, who played key roles in fanning the flames of the uprising.

“Dispur has promised us funds to install life-size statues of Maniram Dewan and Piyali Baruah in Guwahati, Charing and Jorhat. We are planning to print books relevant to this period, follow up the establishment of historical parks, monuments and statues in Guwahati, Jorhat and Cinnamara tea estate as well as compiling songs commemorating the heroes in CDs besides making another movie on Maniram Dewan,” said Chaliha.

The committee will urge the government to declare February 26 as Maniram-Piyali Day or 1857 Martyrs’ Day, he said.