Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday remembered the bravery of legendary warrior Lachit Barphukan at Lachit Divas cultural celebration organized here at Sunder Nursery to mark his 400th birth anniversary.
This was for the first time when the legendary Ahom Army General Lachit Barphukan and his achievements are celebrated outside his home state of Assam.
Born on 24th November 1622 in Charaideo, he was known for his extraordinary military intelligence for defeating the Mughals, thereby halting the expanding ambitions of Aurangzeb in the Battle of Saraighat. The grand event is being marked on the sidelines of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
The programme kick started with a traditional prayer of the Tai Ahom community followed by a Sattriya performance on Sita Uddhar by Mridusmita Das Bora and team, a medley of folk dances of Assam presentation by maestro Ranjit Gogoi and a drama depicting the illustrious life of Lachit Barphukan. Popular Assamese singer Papon set the stage on fire with his enchanting performance of Assam’s unique folk music.
“This cultural evening will be based on patriotism. We will try to project the culture and civilization of Assam. This whole year we celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan in Assam. It was launched by former President Ram Nath Kovind in February this year,” said Assam Chief Minister Sarma.
“We have organised an exhibition and brought many valuable items from Guwahati Museum, reflecting the glorious history of Assam right from the days of Kumar Bhaskar Varma. We also have many handwritten letters of Lachit Barphukan. Lachit Barphukan was a nationwide figure. His tale of bravery should not be restricted to Assam,” added Sarma.
Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju underlined the spirit of India is incomplete if we do not take our unsung heroes along this journey of growth and development. Their ethos and principles ought to be recalled and respected.
“Lachit Barphukan is considered as Assam’s cultural idol. He defeated a large army of the Mughal Empire to protect Guwahati in the Saraighat Battle on the banks of the Brahmaputra river in 1671,” said Rijiju.
“He was a powerful leader and courageous paragon, who has been the pride and maintained the sovereignty of his homeland. His undying spirit for the country will continue to inspire generations. I feel proud to be a part of this event, which is about celebrating the spirit of Lachit Barphukan,” added Union Minister Rijiju.