GUWAHATI, Dec 2 � Asom Divas, a day to remember the contributions of the first Ahom king Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, was observed today at the Rabindra Bhawan in a programme organised by the State Government�s Department of Cultural Affairs.
December 2, the day of coronation of the great Ahom ruler � honoured as the builder of greater Assam � is also observed throughout the State as Siu-Ka-Pha Divas.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Cultural Affairs Pranati Phukan said that rather than a great conqueror, Swargadeo Siu-Ka-Pha was a great administrator, who valued integration and oneness among his subjects.
�His administrative system is still very much relevant, and the modern administrative practices, including autonomous councils that put emphasis on agriculture and craft industries, were part and parcel of the Ahom dynasty�s administration, which ruled the State for long 600 years,� she said.
The minister also said that a team of the Department of Cultural Affairs had visited Ruili in Yunnan, the birthplace of Siu Ka Pha, to have a closer look of the Tai culture, which would help in constructing the Siu-Ka-Pha Kshetra near Jorhat in Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sikhamoni Konwar, Principal of Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia College, who was the appointed speaker on the occasion, gave a historic account of origin of Siu-Ka-Pha and his journey from China to the Brahmaputra Valley, his administrative system and Tai culture, language, etc.
�There are very few examples in the history of the world where a conqueror does not impose his language, culture, religion and way of living on the conquered people. Rather, he established friendly relations with the Moran and Borahi people who had been living in the Brahmaputra Valley. He also honoured these people with various titles and established matrimonial relations with them. His descendents also followed the same path,� she added.
Commissioner Secretary, Department of Cultural Affairs Swapnanil Barua, in his welcome speech, said that it is time the people of the State remembered the Swargadeo and followed his example of unity in diversity, to build a stronger Assam. Dr Birendra Gohain, Dr Jiten Das and Tapan Sarma were also present on the occasion.