On the 3rd of August, 2024, the illustrious Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium at Kalakshetra, Guwahati, shall play host to a significant event that celebrates both legal heritage and scholarly discourse—the S. N. Bhuyan Centenary Lecture. This event, orchestrated by the S.N. Bhuyan Memorial Foundation, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Advocate General late Suchendra Nath Bhuyan, one of Assam’s most distinguished legal minds. The event is scheduled to commence at 4:30 PM, drawing together an assembly of legal scholars, jurists, and admirers of the late Bhuyan’s contributions. The oration will be delivered by the Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai, a venerable Judge of the Supreme Court of India. He will expound upon the theme, “75 Years of the Constitution of India: Dr. Ambedkar’s Vision and Social Justice,” offering a profound reflection on the enduring principles that have shaped the Indian Constitution and the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in envisioning a socially just society. The narrative of Advocate General Late Suchendra Nath Bhuyan’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of diligence, intellectual prowess, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born in the remote village of Narikali in the Kampur area of Nagaon district in 1924, Bhuyan’s journey from these humble beginnings to the echelons of legal brilliance is nothing short of inspirational. His academic pursuits at Cotton College and Guwahati University were marked by exceptional oratory skills, leadership, and a fervent participation in the “Quit India Movement.” In 1947, he became the first General Secretary of the Post Graduate Students Union of Guwahati University, a role in which he showcased his organizational acumen by orchestrating the inaugural inter-college youth festival at the university. After completing his LLB in 1957, Bhuyan honed his legal acumen under the tutelage of the esteemed Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who later ascended to the presidency of India. His formal induction into the legal profession on August 18, 1958, marked the beginning of an illustrious career. His extensive practice spanned various branches of law, and his courtroom presence was characterized by boldness, courage, and a profound respect for the judiciary.
Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Guwahati High Court in 1978, Bhuyan’s legal prowess was further recognized through his appointments as Advocate General of Assam, first from 1983 to 1986, and again from 1993 to 1996. His leadership extended to his tenure as Chairman of the State Bar Council, reflecting his dedication to the legal community. Beyond his illustrious professional accomplishments, Bhuyan epitomized humanism and philanthropy, generously bestowing substantial donations to foster the development of numerous institutions in both Kampur and Guwahati. The passing of Suchendra Nath Bhuyan on February 13, 2014, marked the end of an era, yet his legacy continues to inspire. In 2016, the S.N. Bhuyan Memorial Foundation was established by his family to perpetuate his humanitarian spirit and values. The Annual Oration, inaugurated by the foundation, invites eminent personalities to speak on pertinent social issues, thereby continuing Bhuyan’s ideological legacy.
The upcoming Centenary Lecture will honour the orator Mr Justice B R Gavai, Mrs Tejaswini Gavai, Master Jyotiraditya, and also two esteemed individuals closely associated with Bhuyan—Shri Dilip Chaliha, Senior Advocate at the Guwahati High Court, and Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee of Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, a distinguished ophthalmologist of the Northeast. Their association with Bhuyan adds a personal dimension to the event, highlighting the lasting impact of his mentorship and camaraderie. The event will witness the convergence of 70 judges from the Supreme Court, High Courts across the nation, and Advocate Generals from various states, many of whom have confirmed their participation. Notably, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, the son of Late Suchendra Nath Bhuyan, currently serves as a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court of India, symbolizing the continuing legacy of judicial excellence within the Bhuyan family. The S. N. Bhuyan Centenary Lecture promises to be a profound homage to a legal stalwart whose life and work remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations. It stands as a fitting tribute to a man whose dedication to law and justice transcended the courtroom, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Indian legal history.
