HT Correspondent
KHERONI, June 23: The 74th Foundation Day of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) was celebrated with grandeur and a strong sense of community at Sarsing Teron Langkung Habe (Town Hall) in Diphu.
The occasion reflected the cultural vibrancy and developmental strides of Karbi Anglong, drawing participation from prominent leaders, cultural personalities, and local residents.
Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang led the celebration as chief guest, with Member of Parliament Amarsing Tisso attending as Guest of Honour.
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The event was also graced by MLAs Darsing Ronghang of Howraghat and Bidya Sing Engleng of Diphu, KAAC Chairman Raju Tisso, Padmasree Dhoneswar Ingti, executive members, District Commissioner Nirola Phangchopi, Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjib Kr Saikia, and several other dignitaries including Kache Teronpi, Humsing Bey, and BJP district president Roland Killing.
The day featured a rich array of cultural performances, traditional music, and folk expressions showcasing the ethnic diversity of the region.
In their addresses, dignitaries recalled the journey of the KAAC since its establishment on June 23, 1952, as the Mikir Hills Autonomous Council.
The progress made in infrastructure, education, and public service delivery was highlighted as a testament to the success of self-governance.
In his speech, CEM Tuliram Ronghang paid tribute to the founding leaders of the Council, lauding their commitment to the ideals of autonomy and development.
He announced that several road projects undertaken under KAAC were completed in 2025, while remaining works are scheduled for completion by March 2026.
He also inaugurated newly developed websites for the Information & Technology and Art & Culture Departments to strengthen digital governance and cultural documentation.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Karbi society.
The Semson Sing Ingti Award 2025 was conferred on Smt. Pakhila Lekthepi, a modern singer and recipient of the Asom Gaurav Award 2024.
The Khosing Terang Award 2025 was presented to Kangther Bey, a noted singer and cultural activist.
The Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) Award 2025 was given to Dr Alice Enghipi, the first Karbi MBBS graduate from Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh.
The Bonglong Terang Literary Award 2025 went to Hangmiji Hanse, a respected poet and contributor to Karbi literature and culture.
The CEM Special Award 2025 was awarded to Nirola Phangchopi, the first Karbi woman to serve as District Commissioner, for her leadership and service.
The CEM Lifetime Achievement Awards 2025 honoured five individuals: Biren Sing Engti, the first Karbi Member of Parliament and a former Union Minister; Kache Teronpi for her achievements in sports and cultural promotion; Dhansing Rongpi for his contributions to youth engagement and cultural development; Satyendra Terang for excellence in fine arts; and Mangal Sing Kathar for his efforts in preserving Karbi folk culture.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to several individuals including Binita Chetry, who was the 2nd Runner-up in Britain’s Got Talent 2025.
Others recognised included Sashikala Hansepi, Jeevan Ingti who received Trinity College’s Excellent Teacher Award, and Sarbamon Engti for contributions in the fields of music, dance and visual art.
CEM Ronghang also highlighted the distribution of over 1,00,000 land pattas to indigenous communities between December 2023 and April 2024, which he described as a landmark achievement in ensuring land rights and transparent governance.
The 74th Foundation Day celebration of KAAC stood as a powerful expression of pride in Karbi Anglong’s identity, autonomy, and development. It brought together the region’s cultural richness and administrative commitment, reaffirming a collective vision for a more prosperous and empowered future.
