GUWAHATI, Jan 31 - The heart of the mighty Brahmaputra was adorned with a grand bronze statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan and those of his valiant soldiers unveiled today, which also set a record of being the only such monument to be installed in the midst of a river.
The 35-feet high statue of Lachit and 18-feet high statues of eight of his soldiers were unveiled on the Brahmaputra at Machkhowa by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi this evening. Eminent sculptor Biren Singha has conceptualised, designed and created the statues.
Executed by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation, the statues, placed on a pedestal of 8.5-metre diameter, have cost Rs 825 lakh.
Describing the day as one of the memorable moments in the history of the State, Chief Minister Gogoi said Lachit has always inspired the people of Assam.
�He proved to the world that even a mighty force like the Mughals could be defeated with true grit and determination. Though an equivalent of Shivaji and Maharana Pratap, the valour of Lachit Borphukan is not much known outside Assam,� he said.
�Many now want to project Lachit as a Hindu warrior, but he was a warrior of Assam and with associates like Bagh Hazarika, he fought for protecting his motherland. We all have a responsibility towards the country and the State and this sculpture would always remind us of the same,� he said.
Gogoi further said that with growing tourist footfall in the State from the country and abroad, Assam has an opportunity to showcase its glorious history as well as the modern outlook.
Gianluca Grandi, Deputy Head of Mission and Minister Counsellor, Italian Embassy, New Delhi, and a delegation of writers from Italy, were also present on the occasion.
State Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, in his speech said the monument is a great architectural and engineering feat, being the only such structure to be installed in the middle of a river.
�The backpackers from India and abroad would carry the message of patriotism and bravery from here,� he said.
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rakibul Hussain, Cultural Affairs Minister Bismita Gogoi, Tourism Minister Sumitra Doley Patir and others were present on the occasion.