A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: "Generally, the victorious rulers forcefully impose their religion and cultural traditions upon the territories they have won and compel the people to follow them. But visionary ruler Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha did not do so though he founded the Ahom kingdom in Assam in the 13th century coming from abroad with 9,000 followers. He and his followers embraced the language, religion and rituals of the communities living here. His personality and ideology lie in his successful efforts towards assimilation of different communities and tribes. So, he is widely referred to as the architect of 'BorAsom' or greater Assam."
This statement was made by Hemanta Madhab Gogoi, the Information and Recruitment Officer of North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous), in Lakhimpur on Thursday. He said so while taking part in a symposium organized in connection with the observation of Asom Divas by Lakhimpur district units of Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom (TAYPA) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Parishad (AJYP) at Tyag Kshetra in North Lakhimpur town. The symposium was held on the topic 'The personality of Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, the founder of BorAsom, its impact on the contemporary society and greater Assamese community'.
The symposium was inaugurated by Lakhimpur Law College Principal Bibhisan Pegu. In addition to Hemanta Madhav Gogoi, Swapnali Chetia Gogoi, Head of the Department of Geography, North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous) and Nipon Panging, professor of Lakhimpur Girls' College, also took part in the symposium as resource persons. They highlighted the remarkable contributions of Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha towards the formation of the greater Assamese community laying emphasis on the sincere adherence to his liberal ideology. They remarked that Siu-Ka-Pha laid the foundation of a robust and vibrant Assam through his policy of harmony, unity and amity.
Prior to it, the agenda of event began with a plantation drive inaugurated by Forester Bombeswar Gogoi. Then the celebration committee president, Ajit Buragohain unfurled the flag. Celebration Committee secretaries Moin Ahmed and Pranjal Hilton Konwar conducted the smrititarpan event while social activists Dharmeswar Gogoi, Sanjib Luku Konwar and Uttam Borah garlanded the portrait of the ChaolungSiu-Ka-Pha.
In connection with the programme a cultural procession was also taken out with the participation of cultural groups representing various castes and communities of the State to showcase their native culture. Popular actress Barsha Rani Bishaya took part in the cultural rally which was inaugurated by Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police LongnitTerang. District Transport Officer Sitaram Doley inaugurated the ethnic cultural convention while noted academician Babul Chandra Chutia inaugurated the traditional attire competition which was organized to promote eri, silk and muga industry of the State.
The open session and the prize distribution ceremony of the event began with the celebration committee president, AjitBuragohain in the chair. It was inaugurated by noted social activist Uday Sankar Hazarika while Lakhimpur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Jeevan B attended the programme as chief guest. Prominent literary figure Dhrubajyoti Baruah took part as appointed speaker.
AJYP State president Ujjal Kumar Chutiya, TAYPA State president Dilip Gogoi and a galaxy of dignitaries from various organizations were present as guests of honour. In the same programme, Lakhimpur District Xahitya Xabha president Bipul Sarmah Baruah released the souvenir of the event- BorAsom, edited by Dikpol Lahon and Hemanta Bonia.
The Asom Divas Celebration Committee, this year, has selected former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for the Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha Bor Asom Samanway Bota which is conferred every year. The award will consist of Rs. 25,000 cash, a memento, a heng-dang, traditional male attire of the Ahom community with a turban. The celebration committee will confer the award on the family members of the former Chief Minister after the traditional rituals related to his funeral are over.
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