HAILAKANDI, Nov 24 - Lachit Divas was observed in Hailakandi district for the first time under the aegis of the district administration today. The programme started with the paying of floral tributes on the portrait of the great Ahom general, Lachit Borphukan.
Addressing the meeting held on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Moloy Bora said the manner in which Lachit Borphukan inflicted a crushing defeat on the invading army of the Mughals during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 AD would be engraved in letters of gold. Describing Lachit Borphukan as a universal hero, Bora said, �The great general defended the territorial integrity of his motherland by resisting the formidable invaders through his military skills and personal leadership during the great Battle of Saraighat.� Bora said the great warrior showed unflinching love for his motherland when he beheaded his own uncle for negligence in constructing a rampart to prevent the incursion of the Mughals in Guwahati.
The DC said that the great general�s relevance is felt more at a time when divisive forces from both within and outside are at work to sever the social fabric of the society. �Let us uphold the ideals of the great warrior and rekindle his patriotic fire in us to defeat the divisive forces,� Bora added.
Speaking on the occasion, SP Pranab Jyoti Goswami said that Lachit Borphukan was no less a warrior than Shivaji. �The military prowess and leadership qualities Lachit Borphukan demonstrated in the great Battle of Saraighat by defeating the irresistible Mughals with a small force is indeed unparalleled,� he said.
Recalling the contributions of Lt Gen SK Sinha, former Governor of Assam who passed away recently, Goswami said it was due to his relentless efforts a chapter on naval warfare has been incorporated into the Indian Army curriculum. A bust of the great warrior has also been installed at the National Defence Academy in Pune. Goswami said that concerted efforts must be made to give the great general his due place of honour in world history.
Assistant Commissioner Dr Dhrubajyoti Hatibaruah extolled the qualities of the great Ahom general and his immense love for his motherland that saved Assam from going into the hands of the Mughal invaders.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Assistant Commissioner Rebecca L Changsan gave a brief account of the meteoric rise of the Ahom warrior. Officials and employees of different departments paid floral tributes on the portrait of Lachit Borphukan.
Biswanath Chariali Correspondent adds: Lachit Divas was observed at Binapani Natya Mandir under the aegis of the Biswanath district administration and in association with the Biswanath Chariali unit of the AASU and Lachit Yuvak Sangha on Thursday.
The programme was attended by State Minister for Irrigation, Handloom and Textiles Ranjit Dutta, MLA of Biswanath LAC Pramod Borthakur, Deputy Commissioner of Biswanath Asitaksha Chakravarty and SP Brajenjit Singha, among others. The speakers highlighted the contributions of Lachit Borphukan in their speeches.
Dibrugarh Staff Correspondent adds: Lachit Divas was observed on Thursday under the joint aegis of the district administration and the Tai Education and Cultural Centre near the Deputy Commissioner�s office in Dibrugarh.
Floral tributes were paid on the portrait of the great Ahom general, installed near the DC�s office. Additional Deputy Commissioner Subhan Goala paid respect to the legendary Ahom warrior.
Professor Pranjit Borah of the Dibrugarh University stressed the importance of love and respect for the community and the State as a whole. �Lachit Borphukan could fight against the enemies only because he loved his people and the then Ahom kingdom. He could unite all the Assamese communities for peaceful living. He tried to dismantle all forces that were trying to disintegrate the Assamese community and destroy its culture. Today, he is a figure of self-respect and pride for all of us. His courage and love for his people earned him the name, �Jatiyo Veer.� But now we can feel that the community which was once united is gradually falling apart. The Assamese community is heading towards an identity crisis. Some forces are trying to impose on us one language, one culture and one religion. This is a real threat. We must protect our distinct culture, language and our identity and march ahead with pride, in the manner Lachit Borphukan showed us,� said Professor Borah.
The programme was anchored by Durlav Chetia, president of the organising committee. Lohit Konwar, president of the Tai Education and Cultural Centre, Pabitra Pegu and Atul Borgohain also spoke on the occasion.
Similar tributes were also paid by organisations at Chowkidinghee and Borborooah. The event at the Saharia Hall, Chowkidinghee was organised by All Assam Hindu Chatra Sanstha, while the homage paying ceremony at the Borborooah market complex was organised by Dragon Eleven, a cultural group.
