PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 400TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF LACHIT BARPHUKAN IN GUWAHATI

Rashtrapati Bhavan : 25.02.2022

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind graced and addressed the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Lachit Barphukanin Guwahati, Assam today (February 25, 2022).

Speaking on the occasion, the President paid his tributes to Lachit Barphukan and the land of Assam. He described him as one of the greatest sons of Mother India.

Referring to the venue Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, where the birth anniversary celebrations of Lachit Barphukan are being held, the President said that Srimanta Sankaradeva's relentless stream of devotion, poetry and art; and the inspiring legacy of bravery and sacrifice of the extraordinary warrior Lachit Barphukan represent two great aspects of Assam's glorious tradition.

The President said that the land of Assam is one of the few areas where all the attempts of the invaders in the medieval period were thwarted. Mughals made repeated attempts for expanding their empire in the north-eastern region. In the battle of Alaboi in year 1669, around ten thousand brave soldiers of Assam sacrificed their lives. After that the feeling of patriotism got stronger. Two years later, in the battle of Alaboi, Lachit Barphukan retaliated and not only Aurangzeb's army was defeated in the historic battle of Saraighat, but that defeat proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the expansionist policies of the Mughals in the north-east.

The President noted that many stories of Lachit Barphukan are popular among the people of Assam and his birth anniversary on 24th November is celebrated as 'Lachit Divas' across the state.He said that Lachit Barphukan remains a hero in the hearts of people. He noted that 'Lachit Barphukan Gold Medal Award' was instituted at the National Defence Academy, in the year 1999 which is given annually to the best cadet. A statue of this great warrior was also established in the NDA campus. He expressed confidence that Lachit Barphukan would continue to be an inspiration for the brave soldiers of our country.

The President said that we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our independence. The Government of India is organising several programs under the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The people and especially youth are participating in these programs with enthusiasm. He said that such events give us an opportunity to connect with our past and re-visit our history.

The President appreciated Chief Minister and Government of Assam for organizing the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan. He also appreciated Assam Government’s decision to build a war memorial in the Alaboi battle field and to celebrate 5th August as 'Alaboi Sangram Diwas'. He said that through such events, the younger generation gets an opportunity to connect with their heritage and inculcate the spirit of patriotism.