Tilak Deka, Heroic Martyr of the 1942 Quit India Movement, Remembered at Charaibahi
By Dalim Phukan
.Guwahati/Assam, Aug 28 : Tilak Deka, the heroic martyr from Morigaon who laid down his life during the Quit India Movement of 1942, was publicly remembered today at his birthplace, Charaibahi.
As part of an elaborate programme organised by the Charaibahi Branch of the Asom Sahitya Sabha, a ceremonial lamp was lit at the statue of martyr Tilak Deka at Tetelitola Tiniali, Charaibahi, by Dhir Singh Deka, a prominent member of the martyr’s family. Eminent social worker Jatin Chandra Nath offered floral tributes at the statue.
This was followed by the hoisting of the national flag in front of the martyr’s statue by Morigaon MLA Ramakanta Deuri. Speaking on the occasion, the MLA highlighted the life and contributions of Tilak Deka and said that plans were being made to construct a new statue of the heroic martyr at Charaibahi.
Later, a memorial meeting was held at the public hall. The meeting, presided over by Puneswar Bora, president of the Charaibahi Branch of the Asom Sahitya Sabha, was anchored by Rangan Kumar Nath and Yashobanta Nath. The meeting was inaugurated by Dr. Harmohan Kalita, president of the Morigaon District Sahitya Sabha.
On the occasion, the poetry magazine “Ahuti”, published by the Charaibahi Branch of the Asom Sahitya Sabha in memory of martyr Tilak Deka, was released by Dr. Kamal Chandra Nath, Principal of Charaibahi College.
Meanwhile, Dr. Harmohan Kalita released Dr. Kamal Chandra Nath’s book “Rangali Singa.”
At the memorial meeting, the Tilak Deka Memorial Award, instituted and annually presented by the Saraibahi Branch of the Asom Sahitya Sabha, was conferred this year on eminent actor and writer Kamal Chandra Bordoloi, former president of the Charaibahi Branch of the Asom Sahitya Sabha and a retired teacher.
It may be mentioned that on August 28, 1942, during the Quit India Movement, Tilak Deka, a distinguished son of Charaibahi, was keeping vigil at Barpujia, on the border of Morigaon and Nagaon districts, at night. While attempting to confront the British forces, he was shot dead by British troops and attained martyrdom.
