GUWAHATI, Nov 24 - Lachit Divas was celebrated across the State today, remembering the valour of the legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, who defeated the mighty Mughal army in the Battle of Saraighat and set a rare example of patriotism.
Paying rich tributes to Lachit in several programmes today, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal exhorted the youth to follow Lachit�s ideals, respect their motherland and learn about the glorious past of Assam.
Speaking in the Lachit Divas programme on the Brahmaputra riverfront near Fancy Bazar here, Sonowal said the youth has the power to bring desired changes in society and defend the motherland from the present-day challenges.
Addressing a gathering at Kachomari Ghat near Fancy Bazar, where a 35-feet tall statue of Lachit Borphukan was installed, Sonowal said Lachit Divas is a time to remember the supreme sacrifice made by the general as well as his valiant army to save Assam from external aggression.
The Chief Minister also paid floral tributes at the Lachit Borphukan memorial at Jalukbari here this morning.
Sonowal also urged the people to keep a portrait of Lachit Borphukan in all offices, schools and other educational institutions as a mark of respect to the legend.
While thanking former Assam Governor, Late Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha, for his role in initiating the Lachit Medal at National Defence Academy (NDA), which is bestowed on the best passing out cadet, the Chief Minister said there was a lot to be learnt from indigenous warfare techniques of the Ahom general.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit conferred the Mahavir Lachit Award 2016 on literary critic, poet and social scientist Dr Hiren Gohain at a function held at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here today. The award, given by Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad, Assam, carries a cash amount of Rs 50,000, a citation and traditional sword.
Eminent Tai scholar Dr Pushpa Gogoi was also presented the Mahavir Lachit Award at a function held at the Lakhidhar Bora Kshetra here.
Several other organizations celebrated the day with cultural programmes and processions.
Jorhat Correspondent adds: The Chief Minister also visited Lachit�s maidam at Holongapar, Jorhat, today as part of the Lachit Divas celebrations. Paying floral tributes at the statue of Lachit at the mausoleum, Sonowal said the State Archaeology Department will take proper initiatives to protect the site of historical and archaeological importance.
It is pertinent to mention that for the first time, Lachit Divas was celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the government at the site where the body of the brave general had been entombed.
Stressing the importance of including the story of Lachit Borphukan�s valour in school syllabus, he said the government will take adequate measures to protect the maidam scientifically as a site of archaeological importance.
