Kabiranjan Saikia
Kabiranjan Saikia | |
|---|---|
 Kabiranjan Saikia | |
| Born | Kabiranjan Phukan February 15, 1974 Assam, India |
| Died | December 12, 2000 (aged 26) Assam, India |
| Other names | Swadhinata Phukon |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, Activist |
| Organizations | United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) |
| Notable work | Rokta Arti, Your Lush Green Fields |
| Movement | Assamese Literature, Wesean Independence Movement |
Kabiranjan Saikia (born Swadhinata Phukan; 1974–2000) was a prominent Assamese poet, freedom fighter, and social activist. Known for his literary prowess and fearless activism, Saikia's life and works remain a significant part of Assamese culture and history.[1]
Early Life and Education[edit]
Kabiranjan Saikia was born on February 15, 1974, in Assam, India. From a young age, he exhibited a talent for writing, composing his first book, Rokta Arti (Blood Offering), at the age of twelve. His early literary contributions included essays and poems published in various newspapers, which earned him recognition in the literary circles of Assam.
Literary Career[edit]
Saikia's literary works are characterized by themes of freedom, resistance, and social justice. [2]His poetry often reflected the socio-political landscape of Assam, capturing the struggles and aspirations of its people. One of his notable poems, "Your Lush Green Fields," is a poignant reflection of his empathy and solidarity with the oppressed.[3]
Notable Works[4][edit]
- Rokta Arti (Blood Offering)
- Your Lush Green Fields
- Nowadays
- A Night of Screams
Activism and Vision[edit]
Kabiranjan Saikia's activism was deeply intertwined with his literary career. He was associated with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) as the Assistant Publicity Secretary. Despite his affiliation with the militant group, he openly criticized its practices through his writings. Saikia was always against the practice of shedding blood, and often also appealed the assamese people to forgive the Indian Military. One notable example was his article in Ganatantra, where he critically examined ULFA, demonstrating his independent and fearless spirit.[5]
Saikia was a staunch advocate for non-violence and social justice. His vision for Assam was one of peace, equality, and freedom from oppression. He believed in the power of words to bring about change and used his literary talent to inspire and mobilize people.[6]
Legacy[edit]
Tragically, Saikia's life was cut short when he was killed by the state police in 2000 at the age of 26.[7] His death only strengthened his legacy as a martyr and poet whose words resonated with the aspirations and struggles of the Assamese people.[8] [9]His poetry continues to inspire new generations of readers and activists. His dream was to establish a library and a literary centre in assam, and the Govt. of assam finally honoured him with such a centre by his name in Guwahati.[10][11]
Influence and Recognition[edit]
Saikia's works have been studied and celebrated in various literary and academic circles. [12]His fearless criticism of injustice and his advocacy for non-violence have made him a revered figure in Assam's literary and socio-political history.[13][14]
In Popular Culture[edit]
Saikia's life and works have been the subject of various studies, articles, and documentaries.[15] His contributions to Assamese literature and his role in the independence movement are often highlighted in discussions about Assam's cultural and political history.[16]
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Kabiranjan Saikia / Swadhinota Phukan, Author at RAIOT". RAIOT. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Kabiranjan Saikia". TIMES OF ASSAM. 2013-02-08. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Axomiya Archives » RAIOT". RAIOT. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Two Poems by Kabiranjan Saikia (Swadhinata Phukan)". Obtuse Subjectivity. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Slain Ulfa Leader Kabiranjan Saikia: Latest News, Videos and Photos of Slain Ulfa Leader Kabiranjan Saikia | Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Voice of MASS | Assam Portal". www.assam.org. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Swadhinata Phukan: victim of extrajudicial execution | Assam Portal". www.assam.org. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Top ULFA LEADER Shot".
- ^ "From a revolutionary pen - Ulfa rebel's collection of poems published posthumously".
- ^ "Cerebration". cerebration.org. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ Chima, Jugdep S. (2015-03-24). Ethnic Subnationalist Insurgencies in South Asia: Identities, Interests and Challenges to State Authority. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-55706-7.
- ^ Barbora, Sanjay (2015). "Uneasy Homecomings: Political Entanglements in Contemporary Assam". South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies. 38 (2): 290. ISSN 0085-6401.
- ^ Barbora, Sanjay (2015-04-03). "Uneasy Homecomings: Political Entanglements in Contemporary Assam". South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies. 38 (2): 290–303. doi:10.1080/00856401.2015.1032473. ISSN 0085-6401.
- ^ Dutta, Juri (2019). "Re-(visiting) the Past through Narrative: Reading Rita Choudhury's Ai Samay Sai Samay (These Times, Those Times, 2007)" (PDF). Language in India. 19 (2): 202–216. ISSN 1930-2940.
- ^ "North East India's Horrible Human Rights Record". MorungExpress. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "A Complete poems of Kabiranjan Saikia in Assamese,Edited by Saumitra". SCIENTIA BOOK SHOP. Retrieved 2024-06-19.