Guwahati, Dec 2: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal paid tribute to Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, who laid the foundation of Ahom dysty, on the occasion of Asom Divas (Siu-Ka-Pha Divas) at historic Tipam, harkatia in Dibrugarh district on Saturday and urged the people of the State to follow his ideals for building a stronger Assam and strengthening Assamese identity.
Coinciding with the occasion, Sonowal also presented Siu-Ka-Pha Award 2017 to eminent Tai scholar and researcher Bimal Barpatra Gohain. The award carries an angabastra, xorai, citation and cheque worth Rs 2 lakh. The Asom Divas celebration was organized by the Cultural Affairs department in association with Dibrugarh district administration at Tipam, which is closely associated with Assam history.
“Siu-Ka-Pha Divas is a significant celebration in the socio-political life of the State. On this day, we all must take a pledge to take the ideals of unity and brotherhood of great Ahom King Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha forward to build a stronger and composite Assam. This will be the fittest tribute to this legendary Ahom King,” Sonowal remarked. He also urged the people to join hands with the government in its endeavour to ensure equal development of all communities of Assam and fructify Prime Minister rendra Modi’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
Stating that a community can be powerful when its rural economic infrastructure is sufficiently fortified, Sonowal highlighted the mega mission ‘Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unyan Yoja’, which aims to double farm income in the State. He said that under this mission, 10,000 tractors would be distributed amongst farm units on 10th December.
Referring to NRC update exercise, Sonowal said with the publication of its draft roll, a 40-year-long struggle will come to a successful conclusion. He also mentioned that some anti-social elements are trying to create confusion and dissemiting misinformation relating to the NRC and appealed to the people to remain alert and foil all evil designs of such forces.
Sonowal also mentioned that the State government decided to celebrate Siu-Ka-Pha Divas at historic Tipam as this place was closely associated with the Assam history and directed the Cultural Affairs department to take steps for preservation of historic monuments in the area. He also asked the Tourism department to turn Tipam into an important tourist destition of the State.
While delivering his speech, Cultural Affairs Minister ba Kumar Doley highlighted Siu-Ka-Pha’s role in taking forward all small communities of the State and urged the people to follow in his footsteps.
Siu-Ka-Pha awardee Bimal Barpatra Gohin also shared his feelings on the occasion.
A souvenir was released commemorating the celebration. Prizes of the quiz competition, which was organized as part of the celebrations, were also distributed.
While local MLA ren Sonowal delivered the welcome address, MPs Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and Rameswar Teli also spoke at the event. MLAs Teros Gowala, Tapan Gogoi, Binod Hazarika, Sanjay Kishan, Ritupar Baruah, Bimal Bora, Jogen Mohan, Dibrugarh University Vice Chancellor Dr Alok Kumar Buragohain, Cultural Affairs Commissioner & Secretary Pritom Saikia, Director Deba Prasad Mishra, Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Loya Madduri, Assam Petrochemicals Ltd Vice Chairman Bikul Deka, three Tai scholars from Myanmar, Purbottar Tai Sahitya Sabha president Dr Dayanda Buragohain, Tai scholar Pushpa Gogoi and a host of other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.