Iconic Jackfruit Tree Falls, Marking the End of an Era at GC College

An iconic chapter of Silchar’s Gurucharan College came to a close on Tuesday morning as its historic jackfruit tree collapsed within the campus. Amid heavy rain and strong winds, the massive tree came crashing down, landing on two parked vehicles belonging to faculty members. Professor Chandan Paul Choudhury had a narrow escape, surviving the incident unscathed.

Notably, on the night of April 29, a large portion of the tree had fallen without any storm or apparent reason, raising concerns about its condition. The remaining part had been leaning dangerously since then. Though college authorities had reached out to the Forest Department and the Botany Department had begun investigating the tree, suspecting insect infestation might have hollowed it out—nature took its own course before any preservation efforts could be carried out.

The tree wasn’t just a part of the college’s landscape; it was deeply rooted in the memories and myths of generations of students and teachers. Many students associated the tree with a quirky superstition, that sitting under its shade could result in a backlog in exams. Despite the ominous rumour, it remained a beloved gathering spot. Friendships were formed, plans were hatched, and countless stories were shared beneath its branches.

With its fall, not just a tree, but an entire legacy comes to an end, one that quietly witnessed decades of college life, laughter, secrets, and timeless memories.