HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Dec 2: Asom Divas was observed at various places in Sivasagar.
In Tai Vikash Kendra, a seminar was held on the occasion of Asom Divas, which was inaugurated by Subham Guwala, DDC, Sivasagar. The seminar was presided over by Kamaljyoti Gogoi, president of the Organising Committee. Speaking on the contributions of Chaolung Sukapha, Prof Raktim Pator of Gargaon College said that the rest of India had historical links with the north-east as the Indo-China border post-Moreh is in a way linked with the Mauryan empire. He also said that the Mughal invader, Mir Jumla plundered all the riches, and crops in Gargaon and took them away when he left.
Anamuddin Ahmed, another appointed speaker, said that Chaolung Sukapha was not an invader and destroyer, but a generous administrator. Apurba Chetri, who has written a book on Sukapha, spoke at length on Sukapha’s contribution to nation-building. Manoj Kr Borthakur in his speech said that Sukapha brought in the new technology for crop production, new seed, and horses that were new to the people of the region till then. Prof Suresh Saikia said that the British followed the Ahom way of administration but destroyed the process of assimilation of diverse ethnic tribes and groups in NE.
The seminar was also addressed by noted entrepreneur Lakmikanta Mahanta, Rekhamoni Bora, Rajen Buragohain, and Dr Simanta Barua. Earlier, Furalung Puja was also performed by Tai pandits from Patsaku.
All Assam Bhojpuri Parishad observed Asom Divas by organising a blood donation camp in Jaidayal Khemka Matri Sadan on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Central Committee of the Surrendered ULFA cadres observed Sukapha Divas in Yuvadal Auditorium. In a press meeting, held in the venue, the committee urged the government to change the Asom Divas name to Chaolung Sukapha Divas. Through a memorandum to the state chief minister, which was signed by Rajkumar Duwara, president of the committee, also demanded for erecting a statue of Chaolung Sukapha in Dispur besides fulfilling all the demands of the surrendered ULFA as committed by the government following a talk held on April 14, 1992.
The people of Joysagar observed the day by lighting earthen lamps in front of historic Ranghar on Friday evening. The Temple Town Private School in Joysagar also observed the day with various programmes.
Our Demow correspondent adds: Asom Divas was observed in Bokota Parijat, Sivasagar near Demow with a day long programme on Friday, under the patronage of Assam government, Cultural Affairs department in association with Sivasagar district administration and Bokota-Khaloighura People.
As per the schedule, the programme started with a cleanliness drive, which was followed with flag hoisting by Manchao Jogen Mohan, state Revenue minister.
The ‘maidam tarpan’ was offered by Sushanta Borgohain, Thowra MLA.
The ceremonial lamp and earthen lamp in front of the photo of Chaolung Sukapha was lit by Manchao Aditya Bickram Yadav, deputy commissioner of Sivasagar district. Bimal Borah, state Cultural minister was also present in the programme as chief guest.
Different programmes were organised on the occasion on Friday.
The MLAs and MPs, along with the other dignitaries were present in the programme.
Asom Divas was also organised in Demow Public Playground, with a day-long programme on Friday. A colourful rally was taken out on the occasion. Cast of the popular comedy serial – Beharbari Outpost, Garg Da and Rakesh Da were present in the programme on Friday evening. Several cultural programmes were organised Friday evening.
Our Margherita correspondent adds: Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha, the architect of greater Assam, in whose memory Sukapha Divas or Asom Divas was celebrated on Friday at Margherita Town High School auditorium.
The traditional songs and dances of Tai Ahom were performed, which enthralled the present audiences.
The programme was organised by various organisations and local residents of Margherita, where at the beginning, the traditional flag was hoisted by Denojit Baruah, president of the Reception Committee.
An open session was held, which was chaired by Debojit Baruah. Dibrugarh University, head of History department, Dr Damrudhar Nath was present as chief guest; noted writer and literary pensioner of Margherita, Barun Borah; Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Asom (TAYPA) Central Committee, joint secretary, Diganta Tamuly; teacher Bharat Chandra Neog; Tinsukia District Journalists Association, general secretary, Rana Jyoti Neog; noted writer of Margherita Pabitra Borgohain; central committee leader of Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Asom (TAYPA), Nabijit Baruah and many distinguished and resource persons were present.
A souvenir title ‘Pi-Nong’ was inaugurated in memory of noted social worker, Margherita, Rajini Gogoi and under the patronage of his son, Rupam Gogoi, it was published and edited by Pabitra Borgohain.
The whole programme was moderated by noted writer of Margherita, Pabitra Borgohain.
Our Tezpur correspondent adds: Asom Divas was celebrated in Sonitpur at a programme held in Sukapha Bhawan at Dolabari in Tezpur, along with the rest of the state.
The event was jointly organised by Sonitpur district administration and Tai Ahom Sanskriti Bikash Samiti to commemorate the arrival of the first king of the Ahom kingdom, Sukapha in Assam.
The programme was officially inaugurated by deputy commissioner, Deba Kumar Mishra by lighting a lamp and offering floral tributes to the great leader in the presence of senior district administration officials and members of the Tai Ahom Sanskriti Bikash Samiti.
Earlier, president of Tai Ahom Sanskriti Bikash Samiti, Bhuban Chandra Gogoi, hoisted the flag on the occasion.
As part of the celebrations, an open session was also organised which was presided over by Bhuban Chandra Gogoi. Noted physician, Dr Suren Gogoi, advisor, TASBS, Prabin Gogoi and former principal of THB College Jamuguri, Sahabuddin Ahmed and retired professor Dr Gahan Chandra Mahanta were the other dignitaries present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Deba Kumar Mishra said that Sukhapha was a leader who played a very important role in unifying the various ethnic communities living in Assam by creating unity and brotherhood, and is considered to be the architect of ‘Bor Asom’ (Greater Assam). Giving a brief history of the advent of the Ahoms and their rule, the deputy commissioner appealed to the people to uphold the principles of the great visionary leader of the Ahoms and the traditions and culture that forms the base of the greater Assamese society.
Delivering the keynote address, noted academician Sahabuddin Ahmed dwelt at length on the dynasties that ruled Assam, the advent of the Ahom dynasty that ruled for nearly 600 years, which is also one of the longest ruling dynasties in history. He spoke on the various policies adopted by the Ahom kings due to which they could successfully rule Assam for such a long period.
Members also performed various traditional Ahom prayers, songs and dances on the occasion.