In the heart of Assam’s Kamrup district lies Dampur, the largest indigenous Muslim-dominated village. A breeding ground for trailblazers, this village has witnessed the rise of extraordinary individuals, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields.
Birthplace of Icons
Dampur takes pride in being the birthplace of luminaries like Akram Hussain Saikia, a freedom fighter; Alhaj Badruddin Ahmed, an accomplished software engineer; and Hedayat Ali, a conqueror of Mount Everest.
The list continues, encompassing Aftab Hussain Saikia, former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court; Nurul Hussain, esteemed politician and former minister; Safiur Rahman Saikia, renowned litterateur and former chief engineer of PHE; Talmizur Rahman, former deputy registrar of Gauhati High Court; Sumon Sahnaj, dedicated Assam Police official; and Akhtara Saikia, distinguished doctor.
Breaking Stereotypes: Dampur’s Educational Prowess
Situated just 45 km from the bustling capital city, Guwahati, Dampur defies common stereotypes associated with Muslim villages in India. Despite having a 100 per cent Muslim population, this village challenges preconceived notions.
Educational Triumph
Contrary to the prevalent low literacy rates in many Muslim villages, Dampur boasts an impressive literacy rate, with nearly 90 per cent of its residents being literate. The Dampur Government Higher Secondary School is a beacon of academic excellence, nurturing numerous brilliant minds excelling in diverse fields.
Diverse Educational Landscape
Dampur’s commitment to education is evident in its educational institutions: four government high schools, including one exclusively for girl students; a private senior secondary school for science enthusiasts; nine government primary schools; one government high madrassa school; two jatiya vidyalayas; and four private English medium schools.
Pioneering Gender Equality in Education
Safiur Rahman Saikia, a notable litterateur and former chief of Public Health Engineering, emphasizes that Dampur prioritized education even before India gained independence. Notably, girls in Dampur faced no discrimination or hurdles in pursuing education.
Education’s Transformative Impact
Dampur’s commitment to education has borne fruit, transcending societal barriers. An exemplary case is Alhaj Badruddin Ahmed, a forest ranger and freedom fighter. Despite societal norms, he ensured all four daughters received higher education. The dividends were remarkable, with two daughters becoming government school teachers and another serving as an official in the Assam Government.
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