Life & Legacy
Early Life and Education
Giridhar Sarma was born on 3 July 1912 in Kokaya village of Nalbari district, Assam. His parents were Radhakanta Sharma and Dashami Priya Devi. He and his brother Umakanta Sharma lost their father at an early age and were brought up under the care of their mother. Despite financial difficulties, Sarma developed a strong interest in education and learning from his childhood.
He completed his early education locally and passed the matriculation examination from Chamata High School in 1933 in the First Division with distinction. Because of financial limitations, he could not immediately continue his college education and began working as a teacher. His early experience in teaching later became an important foundation for his long career in education.
Education and Teaching Career
In 1935, Giridhar Sarma completed the Normal School course. He subsequently continued his studies while working and passed the elementary, intermediate and degree examinations conducted by the Assam Board. He worked as a Sanskrit teacher in a government school and later became a graduate teacher under the Assam School Service.
After completing his higher studies, he earned an M.A. in Assamese as a private candidate. He was subsequently appointed Lecturer in Assamese at Cotton College, Guwahati, where he continued teaching until 1960. His academic career established him as a respected teacher and scholar of Assamese language and literature.
Foundation of Arya Vidyapeeth College
Giridhar Sarma played an important role in developing educational institutions in Guwahati. During his stay in Rehabari, he became involved in local educational and community initiatives. He helped establish a public Namghar, a small drama stage and a library and also worked for the development of the local primary school.
In 1956, a middle English school was established through these efforts, which later developed into Arya Vidyapeeth College. Arya College was firmly established in 1958, and Sarma eventually served as its Principal from 1962 to 1975. His contribution to the growth of higher education in Assam remains one of the most important aspects of his legacy.
Literary Career
Giridhar Sarma was deeply involved in Assamese literature, language studies and education. His writings covered subjects such as Assamese grammar, dictionaries, Sanskrit grammar, essay writing and language learning. He also contributed to Assamese literary development through translation.
His literary and academic interests reflected his broad knowledge of Assamese and Sanskrit. He worked to make language and literature more accessible to students and readers and contributed to the development of educational resources in Assam.
Role in Asam Sahitya Sabha
Giridhar Sarma served as the president of the 40th session of the Asam Sahitya Sabha held at Rangia in 1973. During his association with the organization, he emphasized the development and wider reach of Assamese language and literature.
During his presidential period, the Sahitya Sabha's literary journal was developed into a monthly publication. He also travelled to different parts of Assam to encourage the establishment of new branches of the organization and promote literary activities.
His views on Assamese as the state language were closely connected with his wider efforts to strengthen Assamese literature while maintaining social harmony among the diverse communities of Assam.
Other Institutional and Social Contributions
Apart from his work in education and literature, Sarma was associated with several cultural and social initiatives. His efforts in establishing educational institutions, libraries and community organizations demonstrated his belief that education and literature were essential for social development.
After retiring from his position as Principal, he established Purvadesh Mudran, a printing press at his residence. The press contributed to the publication and circulation of Assamese literary material and further reflected his commitment to Assamese language and culture.
Published Works
Giridhar Sarma's notable literary and educational works include:
Books and Literary Works
Grammar of Assamese Language
Assamese Dictionary
Sanskrit Grammar Chandrika
Entrance Essay Education
Sanskrit Grammar and Composition
Sharma's Anglo-Assamese Dictionary
Translated Works
Galpaguchchha - Assamese translation of short stories
Devi Chaudhurani - Assamese translation
Karmayogi Purush - Assamese translation
Important Positions Held
Lecturer in Assamese, Cotton College, Guwahati
Principal of Arya Vidyapeeth College
President of the 40th session of the Asam Sahitya Sabha at Rangia in 1973
Associated with educational and cultural organizations in Assam
Founder and promoter of educational institutions and libraries
Founder of Purvadesh Mudran
Achievements and Contributions
Founder of Arya Vidyapeeth College in Guwahati
Made significant contributions to Assamese language education
Worked as a teacher, lecturer, scholar and educational administrator
Promoted Assamese literature through writing, translation and publishing
Helped develop educational and cultural institutions in Guwahati
Contributed to the expansion of Asam Sahitya Sabha activities
Served as president of the 40th Asam Sahitya Sabha session at Rangia in 1973
Supported the development of Assamese literary publications
Worked to promote Assamese as a major language of the state
Established Purvadesh Mudran to support Assamese publishing activities
Awards and Recognition
Giridhar Sarma is primarily remembered for his contributions to Assamese education, literature and institution building. His role as founder of Arya Vidyapeeth College and president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha's 40th session are among the major recognitions of his public and literary career.
Death
Giridhar Sarma passed away on 10 May 1977. He left behind a lasting legacy as an Assamese educator, litterateur and institution builder. His contributions to education, Assamese language, literature and cultural development continue to form an important part of the intellectual history of Assam.
FAQs about Giridhar Sarma
Who was Giridhar Sarma?
Giridhar Sarma was a prominent Assamese litterateur, educationist, scholar and institution builder who contributed significantly to Assamese language, literature and education.
When was Giridhar Sarma born?
Giridhar Sarma was born on 3 July 1912 in Kokaya village of Nalbari district, Assam.
When did Giridhar Sarma die?
Giridhar Sarma passed away on 10 May 1977.
Why is Giridhar Sarma famous in Assam?
Giridhar Sarma is known for his contributions to Assamese literature and education and for founding Arya Vidyapeeth College in Guwahati.
Which college was founded by Giridhar Sarma?
Giridhar Sarma was one of the key founders of Arya Vidyapeeth College in Guwahati.
When did Giridhar Sarma preside over the Asam Sahitya Sabha?
Giridhar Sarma presided over the 40th session of the Asam Sahitya Sabha held at Rangia in 1973.
What was Giridhar Sarma's profession?
Giridhar Sarma was an educationist, lecturer, principal, litterateur and scholar of Assamese language and literature.
Where did Giridhar Sarma teach?
Giridhar Sarma served as a Lecturer in Assamese at Cotton College, Guwahati, until 1960.
What are the notable works of Giridhar Sarma?
His notable works include Grammar of Assamese Language, Assamese Dictionary, Sanskrit Grammar Chandrika, Sanskrit Grammar and Composition and Sharma's Anglo-Assamese Dictionary.
What was Giridhar Sarma's contribution to Assamese literature?
Giridhar Sarma contributed to Assamese literature through original writing, language studies, dictionaries, translations, literary publishing and his work in educational and cultural institutions.
