Life & Legacy
Based in Jatinga in the Dima Hasao district of Assam, Evelyntice Sajem devoted her life not only to education but also to improving the overall quality of life for the local population, particularly women and children. She belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community and holds the distinction of being the first Scheduled Tribe woman graduate from Dima Hasao district. This achievement alone marked a significant milestone in the social history of the region and inspired generations of young women to pursue higher education.
Early Career and Contribution to Education
Evelyntice Sajem began her professional journey in 1966 when she joined Halflong Girls High School as a founder teacher. Her commitment to girls education was evident from the very beginning. Over the years, the institution grew and was later upgraded to a higher secondary school. In 1999, she took charge as Vice Principal and subsequently became Principal in 2003. She served in this leadership role with distinction until her retirement in 2006.
During her tenure, she emphasized academic discipline, character building, and community involvement. Many of her students went on to become professionals, educators, and community leaders. Her role as an educator extended beyond classroom teaching. She viewed education as a tool for social transformation and worked tirelessly to ensure that girls in the region received equal opportunities.
Jatinga Mothers Association and Women Empowerment
One of Evelyntice Sajem most significant contributions is her association with the Jatinga Mothers Association, a local organization formed around three decades ago. As an adviser to the association since its inception, she played a central role in organizing women, raising awareness about their rights, and promoting financial independence.
Under her guidance, the women of Jatinga became more informed about health care, savings, income generation, child welfare, and political participation. She conducted counseling programs focusing on health, hygiene, child care, marriage, divorce, and family harmony. Her approach was inclusive and practical, ensuring that women gained not only knowledge but also confidence.
A remarkable outcome of her efforts was the achievement of nearly 100 percent literacy among women in Jatinga village. At a time when many villages in Assam were struggling with basic literacy rates, Jatinga became an example of what collective determination and effective leadership could accomplish.
Rural Development and Community Initiatives
Evelyntice Sajem work extended far beyond literacy campaigns. She actively promoted rural infrastructure development and encouraged community participation in public welfare initiatives. With her motivation and leadership, villagers undertook the construction of sanitary latrines and improved access to safe drinking water. These initiatives significantly improved hygiene standards and reduced health risks in the area.
She also advocated for better transportation and communication facilities in Jatinga and surrounding areas. Her efforts contributed to improving connectivity, which in turn facilitated access to education, health services, and economic opportunities.
Importantly, her empowerment model involved not only women but also men, church groups, and youth organizations. By encouraging community-wide participation, she ensured that social change was sustainable and inclusive. This holistic strategy distinguished her work from many conventional development programs.
Role in Social and Religious Organizations
In addition to her educational and grassroots activism, Evelyntice Sajem was actively involved in several organizations. She served as a member of the Assam School Service Association and was an executive member of the Church Auxiliary Social Action. Through these platforms, she continued advocating for educational reforms and social welfare initiatives.
Her commitment to social harmony and ethical leadership made her a respected figure across communities. She became a role model not only for women but also for young leaders seeking to contribute positively to society.
Awards and Recognition
Evelyntice Sajem dedication to social service has earned her numerous awards and public recognition. In 2013, she was honored with the Samajpran Sarbeswar Dutta Memorial State Level Social Service Award for her continuous contribution to society.
In 2016, the Haflong branch of Axam Xahitya Xabha felicitated her for her selfless service to the community. Her grassroots efforts gained wider public attention in 2010 when writer Dr Tapati Baruah Kashyap highlighted her work in a story that won the prestigious Laadli Media Award.
One of her most notable recognitions came in 2020 when she became the inaugural recipient of the Sati Radhika Award, presented by the Government of Assam. The award ceremony was held at Rabindra Bhawan in Guwahati, where the then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented her with a citation, anga bastra, sarai, and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. The program was organized by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Government of Assam in association with Asom Anusuchita Jati Yuva Chatra Sangstha and Assam Scheduled Caste Students Union. This award acknowledged her decades-long commitment to empowering women and improving rural life.
Legacy and Continuing Inspiration
Even after retirement, Evelyntice Sajem has continued to inspire the people of Dima Hasao. She has worked for the upliftment of approximately 3000 Jayantiya or Pnar people in Jatinga. Her leadership transformed the village into a near fully literate community and significantly improved its social indicators.
Despite receiving prestigious awards and recognition, she remains humble and continues to express that she has miles to go in achieving her vision for a fully developed and empowered Jatinga. Her life story reflects resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of education and community engagement.
Today, Evelyntice Sajem is remembered not only as a retired principal or social worker but as a pioneering woman leader from Assam who changed lives at the grassroots level. Her journey stands as a testament to the impact one determined individual can make in shaping a community's future.
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