'Lachit Borphukan will be honoured only when his ideology is followed in real sense'

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: "Lachit Borphukan is the name which awakens a sense of heroism, patriotism in the heart of the Assamese people. He will remain alive in the hearts of the people of this land forever because of his non-compromising attitude, valour and true patriotism," stated prominent social activist and poet, Uday Sankar Hazarika in Lakhimpur on Wednesday. He said this while inaugurating the open session of the Lachit Divas, centrally celebrated by the Veer Lachit Sena (VLS) at Tyag Kshetra of North Lakhimpur town.

In connection with his lecture, Hazarika further stated, "Various organizations came into being in the State in the past few decades. The leaders of most of those organizations appeared before the public with the name of Lachit Borphukan in their speech, and later they acted like Badan Borphukan, the traitor. Under such circumstances, that section of leaders should review themselves if they have the right to utter his name." He expressed his optimism that the upcoming generation would emulate Lachit Borphukan and secure the greater interest of the State.

Notably, the open session commenced with VLS president-in-charge Hemanta Borah in the chair while chief secretary Rantu Paniphukan delivered the welcome address. Attending the event as guest of honour, internationally acclaimed innovator, Padma Shri Dr. Uddhab Kumar Bharali commemorated Lachit Borphukan by paying deep tribute to him. "Very often, some hidden, unscrupulous elements have been hurting the sentiments of the Assamese community. The State will inevitably face tremendous threat if such elements cannot be identified. Unity and patriotism are the primary requirements to check the activities of such elements. This is the teaching and ideology of Lachit Borphukan. He will be honoured only when his ideology is followed in the real sense," Dr. Bharali said.

On the other hand, ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) general secretary Anup Chetia said that the love of Lachit Borphukan for his land and native community was incomparable. "He is known for his military intelligence in the Battle of Saraighat. Due to his efficient leadership in the Battle of Saraighat, he could thwart a drawn-out attempt to Assam by the Mughal forces," Anup Chetia said.

In addition to them, Asom Jatiya Bidyalay Siksha Sansad secretary Dr. Narayan Sarmah, cultural figure, advocate Sandip Samaria, prominent journalist Sailen Baruah, human right activist Dibyajyoti Saikia also attended the event as guests of honour. They highlighted the relevance of Lachit Borphukan in the contemporary society laying stress on heralding an intellectual revolution, a movement of work culture, incorporation of lessons about Lachit Borphukan in the academic courses of the State. Though noted cine director, Padma Bhusan Jahnu Baruah was to present in the event, he could not do so and sent his written speech to the central committee of the VLS. It was read out by chief secretary Rantu Paniphukan.

In the same event, the guests released Hengdang, the souvenir, prepared and published by the central committee of the VLS. On the other hand, Vice-Principal of LTK College, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Kakati released Akou Saraighat, the souvenir, which was published by the organizing committee.

VLS centrally observed Lachit Divas in association with the Lakhimpur district unit of the organization and the people of the district with a two-day long agenda from Tuesday. On Wednesday, the programme kick-started with the unfurling of flag by president-in-charge Hemanta Borah while Senadhakshya Manik Gogoi conducted the smriti tarpan event. Retired DI Kanakeswar Deka Rajkonwar inaugurated the Khilanjia Jagaran Yatra. On Tuesday, a session of the VLS general council, competition on patriotic songs and essay writing competition among the students were held along with other programmes.

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