STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The question of whether or not an 'Assam Tableau' will be paraded during the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26 will be decided by the response evoked by a letter written in this connection by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
According to Assam's Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, on the basis of a recommendation made by a committee set up for the purpose, the State Government had sent a proposal to the Defence Ministry for an 'Assam Tableau' with the theme of Kanaklata Baruah hoisting the National Flag at the Gohpur Police Station on September 20, 1942. This was in keeping with the all-India theme of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The relevant committee of the Defence Ministry held three rounds of discussions regarding this proposal with the Government of Assam and suggested several modifications. However, the Defence Ministry ultimately rejected the proposal even though the suggested modifications were carried out.
Bora said that the Chief Minister has intervened at this point and written to the Defence Minister requesting that Assam's proposal be reconsidered favourably. In case the Defence Ministry gives the green signal even now, the State Government is prepared to showcase the tableau in New Delhi on Republic Day, he said.
Bora also clarified that due to certain constraints each and every State of the Union never get selected for displaying tableaux each year during the Republic Day parade.
He informed that Republic Day tableaux presented by Assam had managed to win awards in the past.
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