Banamali Sarma: An Indigenous Icon of Triumph and Inspiration

PEOPLE OF ASSAM

ANJAN SARMA

Banamali Sarma’s life narrative surpasses the confines of his village, district, and home state of Assam. He stands as a symbol of resilience, human spirit, and dedication to instigating constructive transformation.

Hailing from Nakuchi village in Kamrup district, Banamali Sarma, born on November 29, 1954, embodies a global benchmark for entrepreneurship, community advancement, and charitable endeavors.

Early Struggles and Educational Pursuits

In his early years, Banamali faced adversity, enduring the loss of his father, Mahendra Sarma, at the age of seven. Undaunted by this setback, he sought solace in education, viewing it as a pathway to transcend the hardships that followed his father’s passing. Despite financial limitations, Banamali pursued his studies at Damdama Higher Secondary School, fueled by an unyielding determination to overcome life’s obstacles.

Despite facing adverse circumstances, Banamali was compelled to halt his formal education. Determined to continue his quest for knowledge, he shifted his attention to an electrical course at I.T.I., Guwahati. This choice was inspired by the encouragement of his beloved relative and cousin, the late Narayan Sarma, a prominent figure in their village who resided in Guwahati city. Narayan Sarma’s influence played a vital role in shaping Banamali Sarma’s extraordinary journey.

“Banamali’s entrepreneurial journey was fraught with challenges that would have discouraged a less determined individual. Faced with a shortage of RCC poles for his projects due to the refusal of non-indigenous businesspersons in Guwahati, Banamali Sarma decided to take matters into his own hands. In 2007, he established a pole manufacturing industry in his residence compound in his village, Na-Kuchi, displaying his resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles with a project cost of rupees 17 lakhs”.

Professional Emergence

In 1972, Banamali ventured into the professional world by enrolling in an electrical course at I.T.I., Rehabari. During this time, he resided in the home of his late cousin, Narayan Sarma, in Guwahati, further solidifying their bond and influence on his career path.

Following his graduation from ITI in 1974, Banamali embarked on his career by engaging in electrical wiring projects at Ashok Paper Mill in Jogighopa, located in the Goalpara district of Assam.

A year later, Banamali made a transition to Ganesh Electricals in Panbazar, Guwahati. Subsequently, he took on a position at Barua Agency, a printing press located in East Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati. Following this role, he joined as a master roll employee at the Telephone Exchange, where he earned a meagre nine rupees per day.

These initial experiences served as the bedrock for Banamali’s transformative journey. Little did he know, these modest origins would pave the way for a cascade of remarkable accomplishments, inspiring individuals far beyond the confines of his village.

Rise as an Independent Contractor

The turning point in Banamali Sarma’s life arrived in 1980 when he decided to chart an independent path as an electrical contractor. Registered with the Assam State Electricity Board, he embarked on his first independent project, marking the commencement of a transformative chapter in his life.

Under the guidance of Bhabani Sarma, Sub Divisional Officer (Jalukbari), ASEB, Banamali initiated a project for village electrification in Tetelia Village, Kamrup District, Assam. This marked the inception of N.S. Electricals, an industry named in honour of his cousin grandfather, late Narayan Sarma.

Additionally, Banamali initiated electrical projects within the Public Health Department (PHE) in the Rangia division, as well as within the N.F. Railway network. His endeavours encompassed electrical works at various railway stations including Goalpara, Moran, Dibrugarh, Sarupathar, Barpathar, and other places in Assam, India.

From the year 2006, Banamali shifted his focus exclusively to ASEB’s village electrification projects. He secured a substantial work order worth Rupees 2.75 Crores (275 million) to execute electrical projects in the Barkhetri Area of Nalbari district, Assam.

Entrepreneurial Triumphs and Overcoming Challenges

Banamali’s entrepreneurial journey was fraught with challenges that would have discouraged a less determined individual. Faced with a shortage of RCC poles for his projects due to the refusal of non-indigenous businesspersons in Guwahati, Banamali Sarma decided to take matters into his own hands.

In 2007, he established a pole manufacturing industry in his residence compound in his village, Na-Kuchi, displaying his resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles with a project cost of rupees 17 lakhs.

Encountering yet another obstacle, Banamali faced rejection from non-Indigenous businesspersons who denied him access to cables for his projects. Undeterred, he embarked on a journey to Jaipur in 2012 to acquire knowledge about the cable manufacturing process firsthand.

“Banamali Sarma’s legacy transcends entrepreneurial triumphs, encompassing compassion and community upliftment. Amidst the 2019 floods, he emerged as a beacon of hope, spearheading the reconstruction of two embankments along the Puthimari River in Kamrup District. His voluntary efforts ensured the protection of over 50 villages in Hajo. This initiative, costing Rupees 30 lakhs (3 million), exemplifies his commitment to humanitarian causes.”

This endeavour led to the founding of K.D. Conductors in 2013, with “K.D.” representing Khargeswari Devi, his mother, thereby cementing his self-reliance in the field of electrical works.

The project entailed a cost of Rupees 15 crores (150 million) and was situated on his own 10 bighas of land near his residence in Na-Kuchi. Banamali also took the initiative to construct a road leading to the factory, facilitating the smooth entry of heavy vehicles.

Transforming the Landscape of Na-Kuchi

Shaping the landscape of Na-Kuchi, Banamali Sarma’s influence transcended mere business endeavours. Acknowledging the importance of local empowerment and resource optimization, he founded another RCC pole manufacturing industry under N.S. Electrical Construction (UNIT II). With a project cost of Rs 50 lakhs (5 million), this initiative exemplified Banamali’s dedication to harnessing local resources for the collective benefit of the community.

Driven by his visionary spirit, Banamali recognized the need for a steel tubular pole (G.I.) industry in his village, leading to the establishment of “N.S. Pole & Tube.” Spanning 52 bighas of land near his residence, the factory, with a project cost of Rs 60 Crores (600 million), serves as a testament to his relentless pursuit of dreams.

Philanthropy and Community Development

Banamali Sarma’s legacy transcends entrepreneurial triumphs, encompassing compassion and community upliftment. Amidst the 2019 floods, he emerged as a beacon of hope, spearheading the reconstruction of two embankments along the Puthimari River in Kamrup District. His voluntary efforts ensured the protection of over 50 villages in Hajo. This initiative, costing Rupees 30 lakhs (3 million), exemplifies his commitment to humanitarian causes.

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Banamali Sarma generously donated Rupees 30 lakhs (3 million) to the Government of Assam for relief efforts. Subsequently, he extended further support with donations of Rupees 10 lakhs (1 million) each for COVID-19 and flood relief efforts, underscoring his dedication to the welfare of humanity.

Community Infrastructure Development

Banamali’s contributions weren’t limited to financial assistance to the government in the time of COVID-19 or flood or in the time of flood in his own village.

Recognizing the need for infrastructure development in his village, he undertook the construction of roads and spent Rupees 22 lakhs (2.2 million).

He allocated Rupees 80 lakhs (8 million) towards the construction of a temple and a gathering cum conference hall in his village. These initiatives not only catered to the needs of the local community but also revitalized the landscape of Na-Kuchi, showcasing Banamali Sarma’s generosity.

Recognition and Honours

Banamali Sarma’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was honoured with the ‘Xomaj Ratna’ award by ‘Kamrup Xahitya Xobha.’ The prestigious ‘Hajor Gaurav Bota’ (Pride of Hajo Award) was bestowed upon him by the news portal ‘Hajor Khabar’ in 2020. Additionally, during the ‘Monikut Festival’ in 2019, Banamali Sarma received special accolades from the Hajo Anchalik Chatra Santha (AASU unit of Hajo).

Additional Philanthropic Endeavours

Banamali Sarma’s generosity extends beyond awards and recognitions. He has been actively involved in community service, constructing houses for the needy in his village. His philanthropic spirit has also touched the lives of many people, including relatives, by financially supporting their medical treatments , education etc. for years.

Family and Personal Life

Banamali Sarma’s identity extends beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours; he is also a devoted family man. In 1986, he married Ms. Kamala Devi, and together, they have raised two daughters, Namita Sarma and Anita Sarma, both holding post-graduate degrees from Guwahati University, along with a son, Jyotirmoy Sarma, who is an engineering graduate.

The values of hard work, determination, and compassion, evident in Banamali’s professional life, are mirrored in the nurturing environment of his family.

A regional luminary of inspiration, Banamali Sarma’s journey, while grounded in the soil of Assam, extends far beyond geographical confines.

His life serves as an international benchmark for resilience, vision, and the transformative potential of an individual’s steadfast dedication to effecting positive change.

From modest origins to his philanthropic endeavours within the region, Banamali’s narrative illuminates a path of inspiration for entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and leaders transcending the boundaries of Assam.

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