Freedom Fighter INA Martyr Major Durga Malla’s 80th Balidan Divas Observed in Golaghat

Nanda, K. Dewan, KalimNews, Barpathar, Golaghat: On Sunday, Gorkhas across the country commemorated the 80th Balidan Divas to honor Major Durga Malla, a revered Gorkha martyr of the Indian National Army. Major Malla was executed by the British on August 25, 1944, at Lal Killa, making him the first martyr from the Gorkha community to face such a fate during the Indian freedom struggle.

The Golaghat District Committee of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP), a prominent national social organization for Gorkhas in India, organized the 80th Balidan Divas at the Bhanu Ismirti 'Gorkha' Bhawan in Barpathar, Golaghat. This event was held in conjunction with their 6th Triennial Special Session, which focused on reorganizing the district committee.

The day began with the hoisting of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh flag by the BGP District President, Dhan Prasad Limboo. Secretary Ganesh Giri paid tribute to the martyrs, while Vice President Bhakta Limboo and veteran community leader Shri Biswanath Chhetri planted saplings in remembrance. Tributes to Major Malla were paid by eight community leaders, including All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU) Golaghat District General Secretary Shri Karna Limboo, and representatives from the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha (ANSS), Assam Gorkha Sammelan (AGS), and Gorkha Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC).

Yuvaraj Gurung, National Council Member of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, who was unable to attend due to illness, was honored with the Golaghat Gorkha Gaurav Award 2024 for his four decades of community service. Other honorees included Ganesh Kumar Dewan for his three decades of work in rural financial inclusion and scientific farming, and veteran leader Biswanath Chhetri, who was recognized for 50 years of committed service. Chhetri, now 77, remains active and reflected on his experiences from his time with the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League. Teen athlete Sunita Limboo, who recently won a bronze medal at the National Games in Goa, was also felicitated, with the award received by her father, Amar Limboo.

In his keynote address, Nanda Kirati Dewan, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Assam, detailed the organization's efforts related to the NRC case in the Supreme Court of India. He discussed the white paper on the High-Level Committee Report concerning Assam Accord Clause VI, highlighting the exclusion of Gorkhas from the "indigenous" community definition. The Parisangh also engaged with the Chairman of the 125th Constitution Amendment Committee and addressed the "D Voter" issue with various government agencies, resulting in the clearance of approximately 22,000 "D Voters" after verification.

Dewan emphasized that Balidan Divas honors the Gorkhas' contributions to India's freedom struggle, with Major Durga Malla's legacy symbolizing these sacrifices. He noted that a 12-foot statue of Malla, unveiled by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2004, stands in Parliament as a tribute to the Gorkhas.

The 6th Triennial Special Session of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh also saw the dissolution of the previous district committee, led by Dhan Prasad Limboo, Surya Chehtri, and Pankaj Upadhyay. A new committee was elected for the 2024-2027 term, with Genindra Chhetri as District President and Ganesh Giri as General Secretary. Other new appointments included Rup Narayan Rai as Working President, Shiva Shrestha as Vice President, Jiban Limboo as Assistant General Secretary, and Bhuntu Limboo as Secretary. The committee's reshuffling and oath-taking for new members will be scheduled following the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha’s golden jubilee in Sarupathar this November.