Lachit Divas observed

JORHAT, Nov 24: “Lachit Borphukan, a unique character of the Assamese history and the legendary general of the Ahom kingdom who lead the nation from the front up to the win of the historic Saraighat battle, is a model character for the new generation,” said Dibrugarh University Professor Dr Dambarudhar Nath participating in a meeting as special guest held at Dr Pitambor Dev Goswami Auditorium here today on the occasion of the Lachit Divas.

In his speech he also said that the subject of History should be made compulsory in the high school level curriculum for the greater interest of introducing our legendary figures to the new generation.

Moran College former Professor Dr Dayananda Borgohain, who participated the programme as invited guest, highlighted the life and learning of Lachit Borphukan who defeated the mighty Mughals in the battle of Saraighat. He attributed the Saraighat win to the heroism of Lachit and appealed to the younger generation to follow his path.

Earlier, the programme was started with aisinglao (a traditional Tai prayer) followed by a multi-lingual (Tai and Assamese) chorus presented by the women of Joya Romoni Sora, Jorhat. A colourful cultural procession was also taken out in the heart of the town which was participated by as many as 17 organizations including tribes like Mising, Deuri, Tea tribes and Koch community. A souvenir Lachit edited by Minakshi Bora was also released on the occasion.

The central Lachit Divas programme of the district was organized by Tai Ahom Sanskriti Sanrakshan Aru Siksha Bikash Samiti in association with Purbanchal Tai Xahitya Xabha, Joya Romoni Sora, Chutia Jatiya Parishad, Tai Ahom Students’ Union, Hatigarh Dewaloy Managing Committee, Borveta Sakha Xahitya Xabha and Ahom Xabha. Historian Bharat Handique presided over the open session while Jorhat Deputy Commissioner LS Changsan flagged off the cultural procession.

SIVASAGAR: Lachit Divas was observed in Sivasagar in conformity with the State-wide observance of the day. The day was observed here under the aegis of Rangpur Ancient Monuments Protection Society at Lachit Park near Central Market.

Rich tributes were paid to great Ahom general Lachit Barphukan whose meticulous planning and great leadership led to the victory of the Ahom forces in its war against the mighty Mughals at Saraighat.

Speaking on the occasion, former minister Pramod Gogoi while recalling the great Ahom warrior said that Lachit Barphukan led the Ahom forces against the mighty Mughals despite his ill-health and led the Ahom forces to a thumping victory in the Battle of Saraighat. His accomplices included Bagh Hazarika, who was a Muslim, fought to protect their land from enemy invasion.

“Religion do not find a place in protection of nationalism”, Gogoi said. He also appealed to everyone to stand united against the illegal Bangladeshi infiltration, which he termed as a burning problem of the State. “The Government of Assam has failed to handle the illegal infiltration, which has posed a threat to the identity of the native people of the State”, he added.

In his speech, Gogoi vehemently opposed the reported move of the government to create a separate subsidiary of the ONGC for the oil and gas resources of Assam. He appealed to everyone, including local organizations, to protest the move, which he termed as another ploy of the government to privatize the Assam Asset of the ONGC.

A poem recitation competition was also held on the occasion. Sivasagar DIPRO Tridip Nandan Bora also spoke on the occasion. Dharma Baruah delivered the welcome speech. THE SENTINEL