NORTH LAKHIMPUR, Jan 31 - Me-Dam-Me-Phi, was centrally celebrated in a befitting manner at Tai-Sankskritik Gabeshana and Bikash Kendra in Dhakuwakhona, Lakhimpur district today. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended the central Me-Dam-Me-Phi celebrations as the chief guest organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam in association with Tai-Sankskritik Gabeshana and Bikash Kendra, Dhakuwakhona.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal underlined the contributions of the Ahom Kings for giving a distinct identity to the Assamese community in the world and asserted the State Government�s commitment to follow their ideals in building a resurgent Assam. �The Ahom Kings gave a strong foundation to the Assamese community following the ideals of harmony, co-existence and mental sturdiness. Their principles of governance remain the fountainhead of inspiration for the Assamese community to march ahead in the days to come�, he said.
Stating that the first Ahom King Swargodeo Chaulung Siu-Ka-Pha set the foundations of a united Assam through assimilation of various communities, Sonowal termed the 600 years of Ahom rule as golden period in the world history, which continues to awestruck the intelligentsia world over.
The open session of the programme was inaugurated by Manoranjan Phukan, ex-president, Purbanchal Tai-Sahitya Sabha. In his inaugural address, Manoranjan Phukan said that Me-Dam-Me-Phi is not only a tribute to the ancestors but for those who had sacrificed and contributed to the society. He appealed to the Tai-Ahom community to show liberal attitude and openness in extending the accommodation of participation of every ethnic groups and communities in Me-Dam-Me-Phi. He also stressed the need of keeping alive the Tai language in Assam and announced the start of two Tai universities in Habung in Dhemaji and in Charaideo.
The meeting was also addressed by Tapan Gogoi, State Power Minister and Naba Kumar Doley, State Minister of Panchayat and Cultiral Affairs. The central Me-Dam-Me-Phi function was also attended by Dr Pushpa Gogoi, prominent Tai scholar, Dr Dayananda Borgohain, president Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha, Lakhimpur MP Pradan Baruah, Lakhya Konwar, Chairman, Students and Youth Affairs, Madhurima Baruah Sen, secretary, Cultural Affairs, Lakhimpur Deputy Commissioner Dr Jeevan B, Superintendent of Police Harekrishna Nath and Dhakuwakhona SDO-Arindam Barauah. Fourteen prominent persons from Lakhimpur and Dhemaji, including veteran educationist Umesh Chetia was felicitated by the Chief Minister on the occasion. A cultural team from Thailand participated in that function. Earlier, a cultural function was taken out in Dhakuwakhona on the occasion of central Me-Dam-Me-Phi where three thousand people participated.
Dibrugarh Correspondent adds: Me-Dam-Me-Phi, the annual religious festival of the Tai Ahoms was organised with all religious fervour at Tai Educational and Cultural Centre in Boiragimoth here.
The festival commenced with the hoisting of the Centre�s flag by Lohit Konwar, president of the Centre. It was followed by a mass invocation to the ancestors. Naba Phukan, the chief priest of the occasion led the invocation and moidam tarpan.
Lohit Konwar later presided over the open session where several distinguished personalities of the All Assam Ahom Sabha were felicitated. The felicitation was done by the Joya Mula Mahila Gut of the community. Among those who were felicitated included Satish Chandra Gogoi, ex-president, All Assam Ahom Sabha, Luit Chandra Konwar, president, Tai Educational and Cultural Centre, Mohen Buragohain, president, All Assam Ahom Sabha, Hemkanta Dehingia, general secretary, All Assam Ahom Sabha, Durluv Gogoi, assistant general secretary, All Assam Ahom Sabha and other office bearers and reception committee members of the 61st biennial state conference of the All Assam Ahom Sabha, which was held here recently.
The day-long festival also included cultural programme and a community meal.
