Bhadrakanta Saikia stands as an inspiring example of the national spirit. Born on 20 September 1920, he was the eldest son of Anandiram Saikia, a prominent figure in Biswanath Mouza with a strong personality and a large family. Bhadrakanta faced tremendous difficulties in education as his father was not interested in institutional education under British rule, leading him to become a school dropout. He later pursued his undergraduate degree in Indian classical music in Lucknow.
In 1942, he was chosen as one of the five members from Biswanath for training in Tezpur under the guidance of Jyotiprasad Agarwal, Gahanchandra Goswami, Kamakhyaprasad Tripathi and Bijoy Bhagwati. After completing the four-month-long training, they became the core force of the freedom movement. He took on the role of a commander, dedicating his life to the cause and training volunteers to resist British propaganda.
On 7 November 1942, he and other members of the secret force gathered at Keranipam Namghar Naduar. They carried out acts of severe destruction, including cutting telephone lines, disrupting railways, burning settlement offices, bridges, and even a military camp in Tezpur.
The British Government declared him a most-wanted individual and announced a reward of Rs. 500 for his capture. Bhadrakanta Saikia went into hiding for a year, eventually was caught by Inspector Haliram Deka of the Sootia Police Station. He was sent to Tezpur jail in 1946.After India gained independence, Bhadrakanta Saikia was released from jail. He led an active social life until his passing on 31 October 2011.
Source: Niranjan Saikia, Contributor for CCRT