A bust of Padmashree Hanumanbax Kanoi was unveiled at the Dibrugarh Hanumanbax Surajmal Kanoi (DHSK) Commerce College on Tuesday, paying tribute to one of Assam’s most distinguished educational philanthropists whose vision transformed the region’s academic landscape.
Prof Jiten Hazarika, Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University, performed the unveiling ceremony honouring Hanumanbax Kanoi (October 6, 1885 – April 19, 1967), whose legacy continues to shape higher education in upper Assam nearly six decades after his passing.
The ceremony was attended by Dr RN Barbora, president of the college governing body, Joydev Gogoi, Principal of DHSK Commerce College, along with teaching and non-teaching staff, distinguished guests, and college students. Significantly, CA Jyoti Prasad Kanoi, Chairman of the Jyoti Lalita Kanoi Foundation and a member of the Kanoi family, was present to witness the commemoration of his illustrious ancestor.
“The unveiling of this bust is not merely a tribute to an individual, but recognition of a family whose vision and generosity created pillars of education that have served generations. Hanumanbax Kanoi’s contributions to higher education in Assam represent a legacy that continues to empower thousands of students,” said Vice Chancellor Jiten Hazarika during the ceremony.
The Kanoi family stands as a beacon of educational philanthropy in Assam, having established an impressive network of institutions that democratised access to higher education in Dibrugarh. Their remarkable educational legacy includes the establishment of Dibrugarh Hanumanbax Surajmall Kanoi College in 1945, followed by DHSK Commerce College in 1960, Manohari Devi Kanoi Girls’ College in 1963, DHSK Law College in 1965, and most recently, Manohari Devi Kanoi Girls’ Science College in 2016.
“Our family has always believed that education is the greatest gift one can give to society. My grandfather’s vision was to create institutions that would provide quality education accessible to all,” Jyoti Prasad Kanoi said.
Principal Joydev Gogoi highlighted the continuing relevance of the Kanoi family’s contributions. “These institutions have produced countless professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and leaders who have contributed significantly to Assam and beyond. The Kanoi legacy is written in the success stories of our alumni,” he stated.
Despite their monumental role in shaping Dibrugarh’s educational infrastructure, the Kanoi family has traditionally maintained a low profile, shunning publicity and recognition. This characteristic humility has only enhanced the respect they command in academic and social circles across Assam.
The five institutions established by the family serve thousands of students annually, offering diverse educational opportunities ranging from commerce and science to law and humanities. These colleges have become integral to Dibrugarh’s identity as an educational hub in Northeast India.
Dr RN Borbora noted that the bust would serve as an inspiration to current and future students. “Every student who walks through these corridors should know the story of the visionary whose generosity made their education possible,” he remarked.
The ceremony concluded with students and faculty paying floral tributes to the bust, marking a moment of collective gratitude for a philanthropist whose impact on Assam’s education remains immeasurable.
