Former IGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta directed a documentary film, Rebellion Bejeweled, in which he narrated the story of Monimanik Gogoi, who was a part of UlFA and later on became a social worker. Director speaks to Arjita Mishra and tells her that he was inspired by the life of Gogoi and decided to make a film on him
A person, who is related with a terrorist organisation, leaves it, starts doing social work and lives an ordinary life — sounds a bit too filmy, rightIJ But, this is the true story of a terrorist from the state of Assam, Monimanik Gogoi.
The film Rebellion Bejeweled is directed by Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta ,who was IGP in Assam. He studied the whole life of Gogoi to make this film. “All the scenes taken in the film are real shots from the life of Monimanik as you can see him ageing. It is the collection of past 30 years of his life,” said the director. The screenplay of the film is by Mahanta and Srijani Bhaswa Mahanta and is produced by Swapnali Mahanta.
Rebellion Bejeweled is a 40- minute documentary on the grit, determination and focused integrity of Gogoi who is from Salmari Digholia village of Tingkhang, a suburban area in Dibrugarh who joined the UlFA (United liberation Front of Assam) which is a dreadful armed force in Assam, to fulfill his dreams of making the life better of his people. He was arrested by the police and when he was released from the jail, he discarded his arms and dedicated his life for the socio-economic reconstruction. Unlike other UlFA members, he did not become a SUlFA (surrendered UlFA are known as SUlFA) member.
According to Mahanta, “Monimanik works selflessly for the people without making his own profit. It is a great inspiration for us.” He added, “I have worked for the police for many years but I haven’t seen someone doing such a great job after being released from jail.”
The director shared with us that Monimanik means gems and jewels in Assamese and the person is actually the same. “He (Gogoi) is a gem for the people of Salmari Digholia village as he is working day and night for them. He even lives an ordinary life without any facilities,” he concluded.