In a historic move to honor the sacrifices made for the state, Assam is preparing to inaugurate its first official 'Swahid Smarak Kshetra and Udyan' in Guwahati this December. This grand memorial is dedicated to the martyrs of the six-year-long Assam agitation, a pivotal movement against illegal infiltration that spanned from 1979 to 1985.
A Monumental Tribute Nears Completion
Officials from the state's cultural affairs department have confirmed that construction work on the massive structure, which spans an impressive 116 bighas of land in the Boragaon area, is nearly finished. The project, conceived with a substantial budget of Rs 100 crore, has seen about Rs 95 crore allocated for its initial phase.
Architectural Grandeur and Key Features
The memorial is designed to be both an architectural landmark and a profound place of reflection. Its centerpiece will be three towering, abstract human figures, each standing 60 metres tall. The complex is thoughtfully planned to include several key areas:
- A reception and demonstration hall displaying portraits of the martyrs.
- A serene meditation hall for quiet contemplation.
- A viewing gallery situated at a height of 51.6 metres, offering panoramic vistas and accessible by an elevator.
- A dedicated 'hall of fame' on the ground floor, housing statues of 860 martyrs of the Assam movement.
A three-metre-wide walkway will circle the main monument, elegantly separated by a waterbody. To enhance the visitor experience, the design also incorporates an ethnic food court, an administrative block, and comprehensive security systems.
Inauguration and Future Plans
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially announced the inauguration date. Taking to social media platform 'X', he declared that December 10 will mark the unveiling of this significant state memorial. He issued a heartfelt appeal, urging every household in Assam to light a lamp that evening in honor of the brave souls and for the timeless anthem "Swahid Pranamu Tumak" to resonate across the state, reminding everyone of their ultimate sacrifice.
Looking ahead, the project's second phase promises even more facilities, including a 500-seat auditorium, an open-air theatre with a capacity for 1,050 people, and infrastructure for a laser light and sound show on a water fountain, complete with a dedicated audience gallery.
This memorial stands not just as a structure of concrete and steel, but as a permanent testament to the valor of those who laid down their lives for Assam's cause, inspiring future generations to build the state they dreamed of.
