NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with reference to Lachit Barphukan on Friday, said that past mistakes made by India are being corrected with the celebration of its vast heritage and remembrance of its unsung heroes, who were lost in the pages of history that was written conspiratorially during the colonial era.
The PM was addressing the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Lachit Barphukan, Assam's braveheart who defeated the indomitable Mughals in the battle of Saraighat.
Immediately after the PM started his speech, there was applause from the audience, as he started out by speaking in Assamese
PM Modi opined that the history of India was not just about slavery but also about its warriors.
"India's history is the history of warriors, the history of victory, the history of sacrifice, selflessness and bravery," he said.
The prime minister rued that even after Independence, the history of India, written as part of a conspiracy during the colonial era, continued to be taught to generations of students.
"After Independence there was a need to change the agenda of slavery but it did not happen," Modi said.
He recalled that brave sons and daughters fought oppressors in every corner of the country, but this history was suppressed intentionally.
"Today, India has broken the shackles of colonialism and is moving forward, celebrating our heritage and remembering our heroes with pride," he said.
Paying tribute to the Ahom general, who routed the Mughals and stopped them from conquering not just Assam but the whole of the Northeast and beyond, Modi also spoke about how Lachit Barphukan had kept national interest above blood relations and did not hesitate to punish his close relative.
Lachit is famous for his remark, "Dexotkoi mumai dangor nohoi" (Uncle is not greater than the nation), as he slayed his maternal uncle for failing in his duty to construct a fort overnight to keep the invaders out.
"Lachit Barphukan's life inspires us to rise above dynasty and think about the country. He had said that no relationship is bigger than the country," Modi stated, extolling the virtues of the famed Assam hero.
Also watch: