Silchar Celebrates the Unveiling of a New Netaji Statue

A Historic Moment for Silchar

Silchar, August 31: In recent weeks, Silchar, the second-largest city in Assam, has been immersed in a historical atmosphere. The vibrant town is not just preparing for an event; it is gearing up for a significant moment that intertwines its past with the present.

On Sunday at 3 PM, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma will unveil a magnificent 24.5-foot statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the Rangirkhari junction. This occasion will not merely be a ceremony; it will be a reclamation of a vital legacy.

The newly crafted bronze statue, designed by artist Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, stands tall at a key intersection in the city, symbolizing a guardian of history.

Yogiraj, whose artistry has garnered national recognition, has infused the statue with the passion and defiance that characterized Bose’s unyielding spirit.

Standing at 24.5 feet, this monument represents bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, firmly linking Silchar’s identity to the narrative of India’s struggle for independence.

To grasp the significance of August 31, one must reflect on the events of 1983 when the first statue of Netaji was established at Rangirkhari.

This initiative stemmed from youthful enthusiasm and community commitment. Former student leader Biswanath Bhattacharjee reminisced about the origins of the movement.

“In 1981, we formed the Statue Foundation Committee, with me as the general secretary, the late Santosh Mohan Dev as president, and current Borkhola MLA Misbahul Islam Laskar as treasurer. We set a budget of Rs 2 lakh, a considerable amount at that time. To fund this, we organized a lottery with tickets priced at Rs 2, which raised Rs 25,000, while the remainder came from generous donations. Each contribution symbolized Silchar’s admiration for Netaji,” Bhattacharjee recounted.

The original statue, now relocated to Gandhi Bagh Park. (AT Photo)

The initial statue, crafted by Mukti Paul and Shambhu Paul from Nadia district in West Bengal, was inaugurated on January 26, 1983, by freedom fighter Mohitosh Purakyastha, in the presence of Forward Bloc supporters, including Sushil Chakraborty.

“Although the effort was modest, its spirit was monumental. It encapsulated the determination and dedication of a generation that believed in memorializing history in stone and metal. I still feel nostalgic about that event,” Bhattacharjee expressed.

The original statue, now situated in Gandhi Bagh Park, serves as a proud testament to how Silchar, despite limited resources, carved its niche in the broader narrative of national memory.

Four decades later, the city is set to echo that same sentiment, but this time on a grander and more vibrant scale.

As the unveiling approaches, excitement fills the Barak Valley. Conversations buzz with anticipation, and elders share stories from 1983 with the younger generation, as if awaiting Netaji’s return—not as a living leader, but as a monumental bronze figure, a symbol of patriotism, and a reminder of the enduring connection between the city and its hero.

For Silchar, August 31 will transcend being just another date; it will mark a moment when history converges, linking the youthful enthusiasm of 1983 with the renewed determination of 2025.

It will be the day when Netaji returns home—immortal, eternal, and forever vigilant at the heart of a city that has never forgotten him.