GUWAHATI, July 1 - The unparalleled heroism and political leadership of Mahabir Lachit Barphukan was recalled by several speakers at a public meeting held at the Guwahati Press Club today. The meeting was held on the occasion of the release of a book titled Mahanayak Lachit Barphukan written by Dr Jagadindra Roy Choudhury.
Releasing the book, senior journalist DN Chakravartty said while the heroic exploits of Chatrapati Shivaji and Maharana Pratap Singh had widely been discussed throughout the country through textbooks and other writings in many languages, there had been little discussions and publicity about the incomparable heroism and unique leadership of the great Assamese warrior Lachit Barphukan who defeated the mighty Mughals convincingly.
Chakravartty, while thanking Dr Roy Choudhury for writing a historical novel on the basis of life and exploits of General Lachit Barphukan, dwelt at length on the history of the advent of the Ahoms to Assam and narrated the greatness of leaders like King Siu-ka-pha, farsighted monarchs like Gadadhar Singha and Rudra Singha, and patriotic kings like Chakradhwaj Singha and Pratap Singha.
Dr Roy Choudhury, in his speech, narrated the historical resources he had picked up from the writings of great historians like Dr Surya Kumar Bhuyan, Hiteswar Barbaruah, Sir Edward Gait, Gunabhiram Baruah, Dr Heramba Kanta Barpujari and Padmanath Gohain Baruah.
Ajay Dutta, while paying tributes to Lachit Barphukan for his great leadership, mentioned about his recent experience while visiting the Cellular Jail in Andaman. He referred to the great patriots of Assam like Farmud Ali, Bahadur Gaonburha, Madhu Mullick and a few others who either went to the gallows or were convicted for life in the Cellular Jail.
Guwahati Press Club secretary Nava Thakuria spoke about the deficiencies and drawbacks of the present generation Assamese people in recognising the contributions of the worthy sons of the land. Dr Rabindra Nath Sarma, Bipul Sarma and Rupam Baruah also addressed the meeting. Namrata Dutta explained the purpose of the meeting and welcomed the guests.
