Statue Honoring Martyr Captain Gautam Sarma Unveiled in Biswanath
Tribute to a Brave Soldier
11 feet tall Martyr Gautam Sarma memorial statue unveiled in Biswanath on Wednesday (Photo: AT)
Biswanath, June 4: A statue commemorating Captain Gautam Sarma, a young Army officer who sacrificed his life in Jammu and Kashmir, was unveiled at Maj Baghmara in Biswanath on Wednesday, honoring one of Assam's valiant heroes.
The unveiling ceremony was led by retired Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, attended by former military personnel, local officials, and community members.
Kalita remarked, "Those who give their lives for our country are eternal. Although Captain Gautam is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of the nation, Assam, and its people. I hope the youth find inspiration in his dedication and life.”
Captain Gautam was not only a soldier but also a talented photographer and poet, who cherished the ultimate honor of serving his nation.
His life tragically ended on June 3, 2007, when he fell into a gorge during a patrol in Awad Gutur, Jammu and Kashmir, at the young age of 25.
The statue stands on land in Maj Baghmara that Captain Gautam had bought with his first paycheck.
His mother, Mamoni Sarma, expressed her long-held desire to erect her son's statue, stating, "For 19 years, I have wished to honor my son. He was my only child, and although I lost him, I want to keep his memory alive. I am proud that he gave his life for our country."
District Commissioner Lakshminandan Choudhury emphasized that the memorial serves as an inspiration for the youth.
"This not only fulfills the family's emotional wish but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers," he noted.
The 11-foot statue was crafted by artist Bhaskarjya Manjit, who dedicated a year to this project as a tribute to a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Born on January 2, 1982, in Golaghat to Prafulla Sarma and Mamoni Sarma, Captain Gautam aspired to serve his nation from a young age.
After completing his studies in Assam and Shillong, he joined the National Defence Academy at Khadakvasla and was commissioned from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. In December 2004, he became part of the 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (8 JAK LI).
His military journey took him from the challenging terrains of Siachen to a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan, where he was awarded the Force Commander's Commendation Card for his bravery and professionalism before making the ultimate sacrifice.