Tezpur: Tezpur has lost one of its most illustrious sons, Choukat Ali, the creator of the iconic running one-horned rhino emblem of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC). The legendary sportsman, artist, actor, and photographer passed away at his Tezpur residence on Friday night, just weeks before his 103rd birthday on November 24. His demise has cast a pall of grief across Assam’s cultural, sports, and artistic circles.
Born on November 24, 1924, at Ambari, Guwahati, Ali’s multifaceted journey began at Sonaram High School, where his talent in sports first shone. A celebrated footballer and hockey player, he captained the Maharana Hockey team from 1943 to 1949 and helped Assam win the All India Championship in 1948. After joining ASTC in 1947 and being posted to Tezpur in 1951, he dedicated himself to nurturing young athletes in football, hockey, and swimming.
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Ali’s creative brilliance flourished equally in art and theatre. His sketch of the running rhino was selected in 1971 as ASTC’s official logo — still in use today. He also earned acclaim as a stage and film actor, performing in classics like Matir Swarga, Smritir Parash, and Sarapat.
A passionate photographer and nature lover, Ali gave up tiger hunting in 1964 and later earned the title “Gunakor” from the Tezpur Photography Club in 2019. He is survived by two sons, four daughters, and numerous admirers. Leaders and cultural bodies across Assam have expressed deep condolences on his passing.
