Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Supporters gathered at Bakrapur in the Goalpara district of Assam on August 28 to mark the 110th death anniversary of Pa Sonaram R. Sangma. The Sonaram R. Sangma Memorial Trust Society and the Garo Students Union Assam State Zone hosted the event. It lasted all day.
Sengister R. Sangma opened the program with a speech. He detailed the life of the Garo leader. Sangma stood up to British colonial rule. He fought for the rights of his people across hills and plains. He specifically opposed the takeover of the Habraghat Pargana. Organizers noted, "He is particularly remembered for opposing the alleged British takeover of the historic Habraghat Pargana, which was viewed by the community as a loss of ancestral territory."
The leader resisted heavy Nazarana taxes on traditional land. He fought against the confiscation of forests that crippled jhum farming. He also challenged the practice of forced labor for British officials without pay. Attendees held a prayer service at his gravesite. They laid flowers to honor his memory.
Family members, students, and community leaders attended the observance. Representatives arrived from Tura Government College, NEHU, Mendipathar College, ARSU, and the ABSU Goalpara District Committee. The memorial trust uses these annual events to teach the youth about the history of the Garo people during the colonial era. They focus on preserving his legacy of peaceful resistance and social unity.
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