TEZPUR, Jan 1 � �Aideu Handique was the heart beat of the Assamese cultural world which was felt by us very late�. This was observed on Monday by the retired principal of Moran College, noted thinker, Manchao Doyananda Buragohain. Buragohain was addressing an oration in memory of �Aideu Handique� organised by the �Purbanchal Tai Ahom Sahitya Sabha� here at Tarun Asom Sangha.
Addressing the occasion, Doyananda Buragohain said that Aideu Handique was the first Assamese woman who fought against superstition and the conservative attitude prevailing during the nineteenth century by acting out the bold role of Joymoti in the first Assamese film Joymoti. As the chief guest of the programme, Buragohain further added that history repeats itself, but for Aideu Handique it has not happened, as she has not been recognised for her unmatched contribution towards the Assamese society, yet in a real sense. Till date she has been treated as a simple woman even though she had played an extraordinary role in the film because of which she had to pass a tragic life till her death. She could not even avail the chance to enjoy the film where she played a major role.
�The journey of Aideu Handique began at the age of hardly 16, who was not only a name, but a legend whom the Assamese society can never forget. She was a symbol of struggle, and a pride to the whole Assamese film industry as well as to the Assamese society� he said adding that she was born in 1920 in Pani Dihingya, Golaghat and was a simple enthusiastic village girl with dreams in her eyes. When she was barely 15 years of age, one of her cousins abducted her to the sets of first Assamese movie Joymoti. The father of Assamese film industry, Jyotiprasad Agarawala was looking for an actress as the lead role of his movie which was based on one of the most tragic sacrifice of a woman in Assam history, Queen Joymoti. The innocent Aideu was cheated by her cousin to show a house that sails on water. It was a ship and she was almost forcefully taken to the movie sets. Though she was partly compelled to act in the film, she made history. The whole shooting of the movie took around a month and Jyoti Prasad taught her acting, behaviour of an Ahom princess. her tragedy started when she returned home. The orthodox society of those days didn�t accept her family in the village. Also because she said �Bongohordeu� (husband) to the co-actor in the movie, none came forward to marry her. She remained unmarried for her whole life. Most tragically, she never got a chance to watch her own movie till 1985.
When the government presented her a cassette of the remains of the movie as a part of the golden jubilee celebration of Assamese cinema, Aideu Handique got no proper recognition till the last days of her life. She left this world in 2002. She is no more today, but her brave act and sacrifice must be remembered by us. Expressing his strong resentment over the negligence of the agencies concerned including the government in providing adequate recognition to her, Buragohain said that Assamese people have to fight for everything, even for their legitimate honour. He urged the Tezpur University to preserve a seat in the name of Aideu Handique.
Earlier, the flag of Purbanchal Tai Ahom Sahitya Sabha was unfurled by Numal Baruah, president of Sonitpur District Tai Sahitya Sabha and the tribute in front of the portrait of Aideu Handique was paid by Tua Kanta Duora.