Assam Shows The Way: Recognise, Honour, And Tell Other States About Your Heroes

Celebrating the 400^th birth anniversary of the Ahom kingdom army general, Lachit Borphukan, this year, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged other states to include a chapter on one of India’s greatest warriors in the school and college curriculum.

It was a part of the Assam government's series of initiatives related to his year-long birth anniversary celebrations, which were launched by former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in February this year.

‘A Shining Example of Patriotism’

Sarma, in his letter, said that despite being a shining example of patriotism and love for one's motherland, Lachit Borphukan's accomplishments remain comparatively unknown in many parts of the country.

Requesting his counterparts to include the history and valour of Lachit Borphukan in the curriculum, the Assam chief minister said this will contribute to spreading patriotic ideals among the youth and inspire them to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.

Who was Lachit Borphukan?

Lachit Borphukan was a great army commander of the Ahom kingdom. He is known for his leadership in the 1671 'Battle of Saraighat' that thwarted an attempt by the Mughal forces to annex territories of present-day Assam.

In his letter, Sarma writes “Lachit Borphukan’s valorous leadership led to the decisive defeat of the Mughals in the battle of Saraighat in 1671, registering for him a unique space in the annals of Assam history. His valorous struggle and success should be put into perspective in the context of the late 17th century”.

Know Your Heroes

Sarma’s plea to make the people of India aware of the heroes beyond those who fought against the European powers is a much-needed effort in this 75^th year of Independence.

The Modi government, since in power, has been working consistently to bring the contributions of hitherto-unsung heroes and freedom fighters to the centre of popular consciousness. One such wrong had been neglecting the invaluable contribution of countless freedom fighters, who laid down their life for the nation, in order to glorify one family name only.

Under the present administration however, conscious efforts have been made to honour the legacy of Indian freedom fighters, thinkers, and institution builders such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Rani Gaidinliu, Veer Savarkar and many more.

Assam CM is further showing how to recognise and revive regional heroes, whose contribution has left an indelible mark in the history of the fight against imperial, expansionist and extremist forces and contributed in no small measure to this civilisation’s survival against all odds.