GUWAHATI: The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has requested all State Governments to include a chapter in their respective academic curriculum on Lachit Borphukan, the 17th century war hero from Assam.
Officials on Thursday said that the Chief Minister has written letters to his counterparts of other States, requesting them to include a chapter on Lachit Borphukan in the syllabus of their schools and colleges.
The letter is among the Government of Assam's series of initiatives related to the year-long celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of the great 17th-century Ahom army general.
The Chief Minister in his letters mentioned that the saga of the valour of Lachit Borphukan should spread far and wide, instilling in every Indian a sense of pride over the exploits of this great general.
"It is worth mentioning that in the battle of Saraighat in 1671, Lachit Borphukan led his army from the front to a resounding victory, despite being terribly ill. His unflagging valour and determination ensured the culture, identity and uniqueness of the Northeastern region remained intact," Sarma said in his letters.
The Chief Minister stated that despite being a shining example of patriotism and love for one's motherland, Borphukan's accomplishments remain comparatively unknown in the many parts of the country.
Requesting his counterparts for inclusion of Lachit Borphukan's history and valour in the curriculum, the Chief Minister added that this would contribute to spread of patriotic ideals among the youths and inspire them to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.
Lachit Borphukan was a celebrated general of the Ahom dynasty who defeated Aurangzeb's army in the historic Battle of Saraighat and that defeat proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the expansionist policies of the Mughals in North-East India.
In memory of Lachit Borphukan, the State Government is setting up the Alaboi battle war memorial in the Kamrup district and constructing the Lachit Barphukan memorial in the Jorhat district.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind, at a function in Guwahati in February last, had inaugurated the year-long celebrations of the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan. (IANS)
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