Life & Legacy
He completed his schooling at Tezpur High School and later pursued higher education at Cotton College, Guwahati and City College, Calcutta. It was during his student days that he was inspired by national leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, which drew him deeply into the independence movement. His involvement in student activism marked the beginning of his long journey in public service.
Omeo Kumar Das played an active role in the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930 in Assam and was imprisoned several times for participating in various nationalistic activities. He contested and won elections to the Assam Legislative Assembly in 1937 and later to the Constituent Assembly in 1945, where he contributed to shaping the constitutional framework of independent India.
After independence, he represented the Dhekiajuli Assembly constituency for three consecutive terms in 1951, 1957 and 1962. During this period, he served as a minister holding several important portfolios, including Labour, Education, and Food and Civil Supplies. One of his most notable contributions was the establishment of the Workers' Provident Fund for tea plantation labourers, one of the earliest labour welfare initiatives in Asia.
As the Education Minister, he played a transformative role in promoting the basic education system in Assam. His vision also led to the establishment of significant educational institutions, strengthening the academic foundation of the region. He was widely admired for his commitment to making education accessible to rural and marginalized communities.
Apart from his political achievements, Omeo Kumar Das was a distinguished writer and translator. His Assamese translation of Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, remains one of his most recognized literary contributions. He authored several other works reflecting Gandhian philosophy, social reforms and his experiences in public life.
His contributions to society were recognized by the Government of India, which awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1963. He was deeply involved in Gandhian and social service organisations such as Harijan Sevak Sangh, Bharat Sevek Samaj and Assam Seva Samiti, working in areas like rural welfare, anti-substance campaigns and rehabilitation of patients affected by leprosy and tuberculosis.
Omeo Kumar Das passed away on 23 January 1975, leaving behind a legacy of service, sacrifice and visionary leadership. Today, institutions like the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKD) in Guwahati and Lokonayak Omeo Kumar Das College in Dhekiajuli stand as a testament to his lifelong mission of education, reform and humanitarian service. His life continues to inspire generations across Assam and India.