HT Bureau
Guwahati/DIPHU, Nov 18: A week-long programme to mark the conclusion of the 400th birth anniversary celebration of legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan got underway on Friday in various parts of the State including Diphu with various programmes.
The Army, para-military forces and NCC cadets, among others, joined the State police force in the march past organised in all district headquarters and major towns.
Borphukan is known for his leadership in the 1671 ‘Battle of Saraighat’ on the Brahmaputra that thwarted a drawn-out attempt by the Mughal forces, led by Raja Ramsingh-I, to take back Assam.
The birth anniversary celebration was launched by former President Ram Nath Kovind in February this year, and will conclude with a three-day finale from November 23 to 25 in New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the last day’s events.
“Our week-long celebration of 400th birth anniv of Mahabir Lachit Barphukan has begun on a grand note with march past by @assampolice across all districts,” chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on Twitter.
He appealed to all to participate in the celebration and create more awareness of the saga of the Ahom commander.
Special director general of police GP Singh, sharing photographs on the micro-blogging site of Army, CRPF, BSF, SSB, CISF and NCC cadets joining the March Past, wrote: “Excellence is an art form that has to be practised like science – with perfection. Our tribute to the legendary General of Assam – the Great Lachit Barphukan.”
The event was flagged off in the State’s largest city Guwahati by police commissioner Harmeet Singh.
“Flagging Off the Combined Forces March Past, held to Commemorate the Valour & Sacrifice of Mahabir General Lachit Barphukan, in Guwahati. Our Humble Tribute to the Great General, who defeated the Mughals & didn’t let them enter Assam, on his 400th Birth Anniversary Celebrations,” the top police officer tweeted.
Plans are also afoot to make Lachit Divas on November 24 an annual calendar event for a talk on relevant themes to be organised by the Assam Government in different parts of the country, the chief minister said.
The State Government has already released a theme song to mark the birth anniversary celebration, and also launched a mobile application through which people can submit their writings of the Ahom general.
In Diphu, the weeklong celebration began with a march past by the Assam Police personnel, which was kicked off from Karbi Anglong Sports Association (KASA) stadium.
On November 19 an essay writing competition will be organised for all schools and colleges. For Class- I to V the responsibility to conduct the essay writing competition has been entrusted to the District Primary Education officer; from Class VI to X is by the inspector of Schools and from Class XI and above is by the additional director of Education Hills.
On November 20, a marathon race is organised by Assam Tea Tribes Students Association, Bokajan branch at Santipur playground.
A tree plantation drive is to be conducted by the Special Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Diphu and DFO in all educational institutions and Government departments of Dhansiri, Diphu town areas and Tamulbari DCRF.
An awareness meeting on Swachhata and cleanliness drive by executive engineer (EE), PHE, Rural Water Supply Division, EE PHE Howraghat and EE PHE Bokajan Division will be conducted at Howraghat, Bakalia, Centre, Dokmoka, Langhin, Kathalguri and Phuloni markets.






