Balipara,23 January : On the solemn occasion of the 126th birth anniversary of eminent Gorkha leader Babu Dambar Singh Gurung, the Balipara Regional Committee of the All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU) organised a commemorative programme at Balipara, where distinguished personalities were honoured for their lifelong contributions to society and the Gorkha community.
During the programme, the prestigious Gorkha Jyoti Sanman was conferred upon Prabhak (Retired Commandant) Chitra Kumar Gurung in recognition of his exemplary service, discipline, and dedication. Another honour, the Gaon Bura Umadhwaj Chetri Sanman, was awarded to Lilhanga Limbu for his social commitment and grassroots leadership. The latter honour was presented by the AAGSU Balipara Regional Committee and was generously sponsored by Sunil Chetry and his family, whose support was widely appreciated by the gathering.
The meeting was formally presided over by Khemraj Upadhyay, President of AAGSU Balipara Regional Committee, while the programme was efficiently hosted by Sachin Thakuri, General Secretary of the committee. The organisers highlighted that the event was not only a felicitation programme but also a tribute to the legacy, ideology, and sacrifices of Babu Dambar Singh Gurung, who remains a guiding figure in the history of the Gorkha community.
Deepak Subba of the Sonitpur District Committee of AAGSU attended the programme as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering, emphasising unity, awareness, and organised struggle for the rights and dignity of the Gorkha people. He was followed by Hitesh Parajuli, General Secretary of AAGSU Sonitpur District Committee, who spoke on the relevance of remembering historical leaders while empowering the present generation through education and social responsibility.
The programme was further enriched by the presence of Chatraman Subba, a renowned writer, whose words reflected the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Gorkha society. Deepak Mukhiya, Executive Member of the Assam Gorkha Sammelan Central Committee, also attended and shared his views on collective progress and community cohesion.
Representatives from various local social organisations and civil society groups were present, including members of Jiya Bhuroli Sahitya Gosthi, Ex-Service Man Association, and other organisations, signifying broad-based community participation. Their presence added strength and inclusiveness to the event.
Several office bearers from different regional committees of AAGSU attended the programme as invited guests, including Sunipa Rana, Chandra Gautam, and Hemu Limbu, who collectively expressed solidarity with the objectives of the programme.
The event concluded with a renewed resolve to uphold the ideals of Babu Dambar Singh Gurung and to continue working for social justice, unity, and the overall advancement of the Gorkha community in Assam.

Report: Sujit Thapa- Vice President, Sonitpur District Committee AAGSU.