Guwahati: On a winter Sunday afternoon in North Guwahati, Sishugram Children’s Village turned into a space of memory and hope as the institution marked the concluding event of its Golden Jubilee year, celebrating five decades of sheltering, nurturing and educating children in need.
The programme, held at the Sishugram campus, brought together an eclectic gathering of writers, administrators, academics, social workers, former residents and local citizens—many of whom have shared a long association with the institution since its earliest years.
Renowned Assamese writer Arupa Patangia Kalita, Kamrup District Commissioner (DC) Deba Kumar Mishra and IIT Guwahati Director Prof. D. Jalihal were among the distinguished guests present.
Padma Shri awardee and noted social worker Ajoy Dutta, Chairman of the Sishugram Trust Board, traced the origins of Sishugram to the turbulent years following devastating floods in Assam and reflected on its journey over the past fifty years.
Speaking at the event, DC Mishra assured the institution of full cooperation from the district administration and underlined the importance of preserving the rich green cover within the Sishugram campus. Prof. Jalihal highlighted the value of organic institutional growth and spoke warmly of the close bond that has evolved between IIT Guwahati and Sishugram over the years.
The Golden Jubilee souvenir was formally released by Arupa Patangia Kalita, who used the occasion to stress the need to equip resident girls with opportunities and resources to pursue their dreams with confidence.
Managing Trustee Meenaxi Barkotoki, local managing committee head and IIT faculty member Sidananda Sarma, and Trustee Partha Pratim Barkakoti also addressed the gathering.
A significant milestone of the day was the inauguration of Sishugram’s dedicated website, www.sishugram.org, marking a step towards greater outreach and engagement.
The celebrations also included prize distribution for competitions and events held across North Guwahati during the Golden Jubilee year, followed by a vibrant cultural programme performed by the girls of Sishugram, drawing warm applause from the audience.
The event witnessed an impressive turnout of over 300 people, including trustees, office bearers, faculty members and senior officials from IIT Guwahati, local dignitaries such as North Guwahati Municipal Board Executive Officer Jyotikankan Choudhury, and heads of schools and colleges from the area.
Particularly moving was the presence of several former residents—girls and boys who once called Sishugram home—returning as adults to celebrate the institution that shaped their lives.
Established in 1975 by then Chief Minister Sarat Chandra Sinha under the Assam State Flood Relief Committee, Sishugram was initially conceived as a refuge for children rendered destitute by floods. Over the years, it has evolved into a recognised Child Care Institution (CCI) exclusively for girls aged 6 to 18.
The institution was nurtured for decades by former Union Minister Renuka Devi Barkataki until her passing in 2017.
Support from institutions such as Faculty Higher Secondary School, IIT Guwahati and the Red Cross Society has been integral to Sishugram’s journey.
The Golden Jubilee year itself was marked by awareness and sensitisation programmes across schools and colleges in North Guwahati, along with a street play staged by IIT Guwahati volunteers at various locations in August.