Voice of Barak Unites the Valley: 16 May to witness “March of Unity” to commemorate the Language Martyrs of 19 May

In a country as diverse as India, language holds a profound significance, reflecting the rich cultural canvas painted by its people. One such pivotal moment in linguistic history is commemorated annually on May 19 as Bhasa Sahid Divas in Barak Valley. This day pays homage to the 11 martyrs of Barak Valley who laid down their lives on May 19, 1961, advocating for the recognition of Bengali language when the government aimed to declare Assamese as the sole official language. Their sacrifice ultimately led to the declaration of Bengali as the official language of Barak Valley and the second official language of the state of Assam.

This year, in a remarkable display of unity and reverence for mother tongue, the three districts of Barak Valley—Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi—are set to host a joint rally for the first time. Spearheaded by Borak er Awaj (Voice of Barak), a coalition of various NGOs and associations, this historic event aims to honor the legacy of the language martyrs and promote peace and unity across linguistic communities.

As the annual observance of Bhasa Sahid Divas approaches, numerous organizations have been conducting rallies and programs to mark the occasion. On May 15, several youth and student organizations organized rallies. Tomorrow, on May 16, “March for Unity,” organized by Voice of Barak, promises to be a pioneering initiative, bringing together over 100 organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The rally, scheduled for May 16 at 4 PM, will commence from Rangirkhari Point of Silchar and culminate at Gandhi Bagh, symbolizing a journey of solidarity and linguistic pride. At the same time, rallies will be conducted in Hailakandi and Karimganj as well. That’s what sets this event apart. This event is showcasing a collective participation of all three districts of Barak Valley, emphasizing the shared commitment to preserving linguistic heritage and fostering inclusivity.

In addition to the Bengali-speaking community, the rally will see participation from various linguistic groups, including Marwari, Bhojpuri, Gorkha, Manipuri, Naga, and others. Plans for this historic event have been in motion for some time, with Borak er Awaj engaging in extensive consultations with community leaders and representatives, including Dr. Abhijeet Nath, Jugal Kishore Tripathi, Dilip Sinha, Badal Kamei, Dilip Singh, Sanjeev Roy, Tuhina Biswas, Rajiv Nath, Swarnali Choudhury, and Gautam Gupta.

The significance of one’s mother tongue extends beyond mere communication; it serves as a fundamental aspect of identity, culture, and heritage. Throughout history, communities around the world have fiercely defended their languages against imposition and marginalisation. International Mother Language Day, observed on February 21, commemorates the sacrifices made during the Language Movement in Dhaka, which ultimately fueled the liberation war in Bangladesh. Despite the strides made, many intellectuals of Barak Valley still advocate for May 19 to receive equal recognition, highlighting the enduring relevance of linguistic pride and unity.