Tezpur University on Wednesday, December 10, observed Swahid Divas with deep reverence, remembering the 860 martyrs of the historic Assam Agitation. The ceremony drew students, faculty members, and administrative staff who gathered at the university courtyard to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the protection of Assam’s cultural identity and constitutional rights. The programme, marked by silence and floral offerings, reflected the emotional bond the institution shares with the movement that led to its establishment.
The Assam Agitation, which lasted from 1979 to 1985, remains a defining chapter in the state’s political and cultural landscape. Tezpur University, founded under the provisions of the Assam Accord, stands as one of the most tangible outcomes of that historic struggle. For many at the university, Swahid Divas is not just a ceremonial date but a moment of collective reflection on the roots of their academic home.
Students and Faculty Unite in Tribute
The event began with a march past by students, who carried portraits of the martyrs and placards bearing messages of unity and remembrance. Teachers recalled how the sacrifices of the martyrs laid the foundation for a safer, culturally stronger Assam, ultimately paving the way for institutions like Tezpur University to emerge. Several faculty members emphasized the role of universities in preserving democratic values and sustaining youth awareness of historical struggles.
Speakers urged students to not let the memory of the Assam Agitation fade with time. They stressed the importance of remembering the human cost behind the Accord that shaped modern Assam. The ceremony also included poetry readings, musical tributes, and reflections from student representatives who expressed gratitude to the martyrs.
Swahid Divas Held Amid Tension on Campus
This year’s observance carried additional weight as it took place amidst ongoing protests on campus. Students have been demonstrating for weeks, demanding accountability, transparency, and administrative reforms in the university’s functioning. The protest, which has drawn national attention, revolves around allegations of mismanagement and administrative neglect.
Despite the continuing unrest, student leaders clarified that the observance of Swahid Divas would not be disrupted. Instead, they viewed it as an essential reminder of the values. For which Assam’s youth once fought. Students stated that their protests today are guided by the same spirit of justice and accountability. That defined the agitation decades ago.
Administration Appeals for Calm and Dialogue
University officials attended the ceremony and appealed for constructive engagement between students and administrators. They acknowledged the concerns raised by student groups and assured that discussions would continue in an open and transparent manner. Several administrative representatives highlighted. Further, honoring the martyrs includes upholding the democratic right of students to express dissent respectfully.
At the same time, the university appealed for restoring academic normalcy, stating that prolonged unrest could affect academic schedules and research activities. Officials reiterated that Tezpur University, built on the foundation of public trust after the Assam Accord, must uphold peace and dialogue as core principles.
Legacy of the Assam Agitation Remains Central
Many speakers used the occasion to remind students of the historical significance of the place in which they study. Tezpur University’s very existence, they said, is a tribute to the youths who envisioned a culturally secure and self-reliant Assam. By observing Swahid Divas annually, the university community connects with the larger narrative of Assam’s political evolution.
Faculty members further emphasized that the spirit of the Assam Agitation calls for responsible citizenship. They urged students to see themselves not just as learners but as guardians of Assam’s sociopolitical future, capable of shaping its direction through informed participation.
Call for Continued Awareness and Responsibility
As the ceremony concluded, students resolved to continue their protest peacefully while honoring the legacy of the martyrs. Representatives stated that they would maintain discipline on campus to ensure that the university’s reputation remains intact even as they advocate for reforms. The community collectively observed a two-minute silence, marking the emotional high point of the event.
The day ended with renewed calls for unity, awareness, and responsibility. Students were reminded that the sacrifices of the 860 martyrs still guide Assam’s aspirations for justice and cultural preservation. As Tezpur University navigates a challenging period, Swahid Divas served as a powerful reminder of the ideals upon which it was founded.