General Lachit Barphukan’s 400th birthday celebrations began on Friday with a march past commemorating his valour and sacrifice in thwarting the Mughals.
Approximately 4 kilometres separate the Khanapara Veterinary College playground in Guwahati from the state capital of Dispur.
On Thursday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to the people of Assam to light up earthen lamps in their homes. This was on the occasion of Lachit Diwas on November 24.
The last leg of the celebrations will take place in the national capital – Vigyaan Bhawan — from November 23 to 25.
Sarma said that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman would inaugurate the exhibition on November 23. Union Home Minister Amit Shah graced the occasion as chief guest on November 24. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the valedictory function on November 25.
A book on Lachit Barphukan will be released and a documentary on the famous warrior will also be screened at Vigyan Bhawan.
The Chief Minister also disclosed that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will inaugurate a cultural programme at Sunder Park on November 23.
Sarma said efforts are on to perpetuate the hallowed memory of the warrior both within and outside the state. He said plans are on the horizon to hold programmes on Lachit Diwas in other parts of the country.
He said that he would request the Chief of the Army Staff to hold a memorial lecture and to institute an award after the famous warrior. He would also like to award it to the most outstanding student. The Chief Minister said he would request NCERT to include a chapter on the legendary warrior.
Exhorting the officials to leave no stone unturned for the smooth conduct of the event in Delhi, the Chief Minister discussed various issues with the Ministers in charge of committees such as invitation and reception, accommodation, transportation, food, media and publicity, venue management and decoration, exhibition committee, cultural committee, seminar committee, open session committee, medical committee, the traditional portrayal of Ahom culture, etc regarding various matters of importance.
He asked the Chief Secretary to depute more officers to Delhi so that every invitee from Assam is taken care of during their entire stay in Delhi. Help desks will be set up at the railway station and airport. A control room has also been set up at Assam House for the smooth conduct of the event.
Lachit Barphukan was the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army in the historic battle of SaThe Mughals’ invasion of the land of Assam was thwarted by Lachit Barphukan and his brave mTmThwarted advance.
Lachit Barphukan is revered as one of the greatest military heroes of India. (ANI)
