GUWAHATI: Chief Minister
Sarbananda Sonowal attended the 'Me-Dam-Me-Phi' celebration programme organized
by the Cultural Directorate and Tinsukia district administration at Sadiya on
Sunday. He also took part in rituals at the beginning of the programme.
Speaking at the programme, the Chief Minister called for maintaining peace and harmony among all sections of the society following the ideals of Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha who set the foundation of a greater Assamese society uniting all communities. The Ahom kings had set up temples and places of worship at different corners of Assam which had strengthened the spiritual and moral base of the society, he added.
Calling on the young generation to follow the ideals of Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha to contribute to the nation-building process, Sonowal highlighted the example of Lachit Borphukan who valiantly fought with outside enemies to protect Assam and its people. He urged the youth to imbibe the spirit of patriotism shown by Lachit Borphukan and he stressed on the importance of realising the values taught by festivals like Me-Dam-Me-Phi to establish Assam strongly at the world stage.
Stating that since assuming power in 2016, the present State government has been working sincerely to protect the interest of all communities in Assam, Sonowal also informed that steps have been taken by the State government to erect a statue of Swargadeo Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha in the Janata Bhawan premises at Dispur. He also highlighted steps like starting the 'Siu-Ka-Pha Seat' at Dibrugarh University, construction for the memorial of 42 Swargadeos at Charaideo, selection of Sivasagar by the Central Government as one of the five iconic places in the country among others.
During his speech, Sonowal also called for united efforts by all stakeholders to turn Me-Dam-Me-Phi into a celebration like the Kumbh Mela. He also assured of looking into the demands like setting up a cultural college in memory of Phraseng Mung Borgohain at Sadiya, inclusion of 25 Deoghars in the Asom Darshan scheme for providing Rs 10 lakh for their development among other steps.
Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley, in his speech, stressed on the need to follow the ideals of great Ahom Swargadeos and maintain unity and harmony among all sections of the society.
Addressing the gathering, MoS of Labour and Tea Tribes Welfare Department Sanjay Kishan highlighted the achievements of Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha in shaping the identity of a greater Assamese Society. Sadiya MLA Balin Chetia, social worker Pulak Gohain, Commissioner of Pranam Ayog Jugabala Burhagohain also delivered speeches in the programme which was attended by several MLAs and many other dignitaries, stated a release.
Also Read: Me-Dam-Me-Phi 2021: Know About the Ahom Festival
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