Dudhnoi: The Garo Students Union (GSU), Assam State Zone (ASZ), in collaboration with the Sonaram R Sangma Memorial Trust Society, observed the 108th Death Anniversary of PA Sonaram R. Sangma, a revered freedom fighter and the first political leader from the Garo community. The commemoration took place at Bakrapur village playground in Dudhnoi on Tuesday.
The day-long program began with a prayer service led by Pastor Archarst R. Marak of BBC, followed by floral tributes to Sonaram R. Sangma from invited guests and attendees. A meeting was then held in memory of the late leader, with a welcome address by Folding R. Marak, President of GSU, ASZ. Desal Bimik R. Marak presented a detailed life sketch of PA Sonaram R. Sangma.
Desal Bimik R. Marak highlighted Sonaram R. Sangma’s contributions, noting that he was born around 1867 in Na’chirongdik, a hamlet in the northeastern region of the Garo Hills. Sonaram received his early education at Nishangram Primary School in Assam and later at Tura Mission School. He served the British India Government as a road Mohurer and a Vaccinator, which exposed him to the grievances of his people in the Garo Hills.
Upon closer examination of these grievances, Sonaram discovered that the Habraghat Pargana in southern Goalpara District, once under Garo possession, had been integrated into a zamindari; the Garo people living under the Nazarana Mahals were subjected to a tax imposed by the British Government as a sign of suzerainty; vast stretches of virgin forest lands in the Garo Hills were being converted into government forest lands, depriving the indigenous A’chiks of their traditional Jhum cultivation practices; Garo people were being forced into labor without payment or remuneration.
In response, Sonaram launched a non-violent movement against the British Government in 1899. He traveled to Calcutta, consulted with legal experts at the Calcutta High Court, and submitted memorandums to government authorities. In December 1902, he organized a mass campaign with 400 Garo volunteers, protesting the non-payment of land revenue to the Bijni Raj. Despite being arrested and jailed multiple times, Sonaram’s determination remained undeterred.
In 1905, an Inquiry Commissioner, J.C. Arbeitnott, was sent to the Garo areas to investigate the recurring troubles. Although the Government of India admitted that the Garos had suffered territorial losses, they expressed their inability to rectify it. However, Sonaram succeeded in three of his demands: the recognition of the Nazarana Mahals, the de-reservation of forest lands, and the demand for paid labor. The British India Government ceased further conversion of forest areas into reserved forests and began compensating laborers for their services.
Even after the final verdict, Sonaram continued his legal battles and submitted petitions to government authorities. He passed away on August 27, 1916, at Bakrapur, leaving behind a legacy of non-violent resistance and advocacy for the rights of the Garo people.
Albinush R. Marak, Chief Executive Member of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Tura, served as the Chief Guest at the event, with Frylin R. Marak, Executive Member of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by Nikman Marak, Deputy CEM of GHADC, Tura, along with other dignitaries, including Devan G. Momin and Devanita R. Marak, General Councillors of RHAC, and Tengsak G. Momin, President of GSU Central Executive Committee, Tura.
Tengsak G. Momin urged the governments of Assam and Meghalaya to recognize and publicize the contributions of Sonaram R. Sangma, noting that his non-cooperation movements against the British predated those of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
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During a media interaction, Frylin R. Marak mentioned that RHAC Chief Tankeswar Rabha had promised to establish a statue of Sonaram Sangma to honor his legacy, pending the allocation of land by the Sonaram R. Sangma Memorial Trust Society.
Chief Guest Albinush R. Marak called on the Garo people to honour Sonaram R. Sangma for his fight against the British for the nation and the community. He emphasized the need for widespread awareness about Sonaram’s movements to ensure that future generations remember his contributions to the freedom struggle.
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