DHEMAJI, March 20 � The 503rd birth anniversary of Biswa Veer Chilarai was observed here at the �Chilarai Bhawan on February 25 as Chilarai Divash under the aegis of Dhemaji Jila Koch-Rajbongshi Sanmilanee with a day-long programme.
The programme started with lighting of the ceremonial earthen lamp by Bipul Dutta, newly elected JPM of Machkhowa ZPC. The flag on the occasion was hoisted by Nomal Dutta, president of the organising committee while �veer malya� on Chilarai�s portrait was done by Prema Dutta, vice-chairman of Dhemaji Town Committee.
An open meeting on the occasion was held at 11 am under the presidentship of Nomal Dutta. The objective of the meeting was explained by Kandarpa Tamuly. Speaking in the meeting, Deba Koch, adviser of the sanmilanee, highlighted the ideals and heroism of Veer Chilarai. He also criticised the negative role played by the Government for inclusion of the Koches into ST status. Dibya Dutta, organising secretary of Sadou Asam Koch- Rajbongshi Sanmilanee also spoke on the occasion.
On the other hand, Chilarai Divash was celebrated at Nagakhelia Ranga Mancha too near Dhemaji town with active participation by a number of ethnic tribes.
A cultural procession was taken out at 10 am. A distinguished personality of Hiloipara named Muhiram Hazarika inaugurated the procession.
Later, an open meeting was held at the celebration ground under the presidentship of Bimal Dutta which was inaugurated by Rama Hazarika of Gogamukh. Participating in the meeting as chief guest, Harendra Narayan Dutta, retired professor of DU spoke on the origin of the Koch Dynasty and called upon them to keep alive their own custom and culture. He gave importance on making a cinema on Chilarai. Deben Dutta, chairman of Dhemaji Jila Parishad and Chandra Singha Talukdar, presidents of Sadou Asom Koch-Rajbongshi Mohila Sanmilanee also delivered speeches in the meeting.