Bhupen Goswami
GUWAHATI :The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the closing ceremony of the year-long celebrations of the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan in New Delhi today. The Prime Minister also released the book – ‘Lachit Borphukan – Assam’s Hero who Halted the Mughals’ on the occasion. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal also attended the gala ceremony along with the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and other dignitaries including MLAs, MPs and others. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister started with expressing his regard for the land of Assam which gave brave sons like Veer Lachit.
“We bow to the valorous Lachit Borphukan on his 400th birth anniversary. He played pivotal role in preserving the culture of Assam”, he said. The Prime Minister said, “India is celebrating the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan at a time when the country is marking ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.” Terming Veer Lachit’s exploits a glorious chapter of the history of Assam, the Prime Minister said “I salute this great tradition on the occasion of the festival of India’s eternal culture, eternal valour and eternal existence.” The Prime Minister reiterated India’s mood to get rid of the mentality of slavery and take pride in its heritage. India is not only celebrating its cultural diversity but also acknowledging the unsung heroes and heroines of its history.
“Immortal sons of Maa Bharati like Lachit Borphukan are the inspiration of fulfilling the resolutions of the Amrit Kaal. They make us familiar with the identity and glory of our history and also spur us to dedicate ourselves to the nation,” the Prime Minister added. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “With its raw grit & strategic genius, the great Lachit Borphukan saved Assam – the pious of land of Maa Kamakhya & Srimanta Sankaradeva from the foreign invasion of Mughals. Mahabir Lachit is a symbol of honour and respect. Under Lachit’s leadership, the Assamese fought with devotion towards their motherland and imposed a thumping defeat upon the numerically stronger Mughal force to register a historic victory.
For their valour, sacrifice, and military genius, the people of Assam preserved their cultural independence, honour & respect.” Adding further on the implication of the defeat ensured by Lachit Borphukan upon the Mughals, Sonowal said, “The historic victory at Saraighat by Lachit Borphukan arrested the desire of the Mughal’s design as he prevented them from expanding territory towards south east Asia. In 1671, at the great battle of Saraighat, Lachit Borphukan displayed how local knowledge and skills can be armed to defeat even the numerically larger enemy like Mughals. His dependence on local resources is an example of how being Atmanirbhar can make one victorious.
The respect for local resources and their optimal use has also been advocated by PM Modi so as to enable our country become Atmanirbhar by end of the Amrit Kaal. I thank PM Modi ji for his mantra of Atmanirbhar Bharat which is also a salutation to Lachit Borphukan. We must take recourse to draw inspiration from the ideals & values displayed by the great general of Assam Lachit Borphukan. On this pious moment, I offer my sincere Shradhanjali to this great son of Assam.” The closing ceremony was attended by Honourable Governor of Assam, Prof Jagadish Mukhi; Honourable Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Biswajit Daimary along with ministers, many members of Assam Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament and many other dignitaries.