Lokanayak Omeo Kumar Das (1895-1975)

Patriot, Reformer, and Leader of Assam

Lokanayak Omeo Kumar Das was one of Assam’s most respected freedom fighters, social reformers, and public leaders. He played an important role in India’s independence movement and later contributed significantly to education, labour welfare, and social service in Assam.

Early Life of Omeo Kumar Das

Omeo Kumar Das was born on 21 May 1895 in Tezpur.

During his school and college years, he was inspired by the ideals of the:

Servants of India Society

He was also deeply influenced by national leaders such as:

• Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Surendranath Banerjee

From a young age, he dedicated himself to the service of the nation and the people.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Omeo Kumar Das became one of the leading torchbearers of the national movement in Assam.

In 1930, when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, Omeo Kumar Das actively mobilized youth and organized support in Assam.

For his patriotic activities, he was imprisoned several times by the British government.

Political Career

After years of activism, Omeo Kumar Das entered public office.

Major Milestones:

• 1937 – Elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly
• 1945 – Elected to the Constituent Assembly of India

He later became an important minister in Assam after independence.

Contribution as Minister

After India became independent, Omeo Kumar Das served Assam in several departments, including:

• Education
• Food & Civil Supplies
• Labour

Labour Welfare Reforms

As Labour Minister, he helped establish the:

Tea Plantation Workers’ Provident Fund

This was a major welfare step benefiting thousands of tea garden workers in Assam and became a landmark labour reform in Asia.

Education Reforms

As Education Minister, he introduced reforms and promoted the concept of:

Basic Education

This idea, strongly supported by Mahatma Gandhi, focused on practical and value-based learning.

Intellectual and Literary Contributions

Omeo Kumar Das was not only a politician but also a respected intellectual, writer, and journalist.

He wrote numerous books and translated:

The Story of My Experiments with Truth

into the Assamese language, helping spread Gandhian ideas among Assamese readers.

Social Reform and Public Service

Throughout his life, he worked actively for social welfare.

He campaigned against:

• Opium
• Liquor
• Hemp addiction

He was associated with many organizations and welfare institutions, including:

• Harijan Sevak Sangh
• Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh
• Bharat Sevak Samaj
• Gandhi Smarak Nidhi
• Kasturba Nidhi
• Assam Seva Samiti

He also helped establish:

• Ashrams based on Gandhian ideals
• Tuberculosis centers
• Leprosy treatment homes
• Relief and rehabilitation centers

Death and Legacy

Omeo Kumar Das passed away on 23 January 1975 in Guwahati at the age of 81.

He is remembered as:

• A freedom fighter
• A visionary leader of Assam
• A champion of labour welfare
• A reformer in education
• A humanitarian and intellectual

Commemorative Postage Stamp

The Department of Posts issued a special commemorative stamp in memory of Omeo Kumar Das to honor his service to Assam and India.

Conclusion

Lokanayak Omeo Kumar Das dedicated his life to freedom, education, labour rights, and social welfare. His leadership helped shape modern Assam, while his Gandhian values continue to inspire future generations. He remains one of the most admired patriots of the region.