“We are privileged to celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of Veer Lachit at a time when the
country is celebrating the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ of its independence. This historic occasion is a
glorious chapter in the history of Assam. I salute this great tradition on this festival of India's
immortal culture, valour and existence.”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
It has been the constant endeavour of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the unsung heroes in a befitting manner. In line with this objective, the country had been celebrating the year 2022 as the 400th birth anniversary year of Lachit Borphukan. The celebrations were inaugurated in February this year by the then Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in Guwahati. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the closing ceremony of the year-long celebrations of the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan in New Delhi on November 25, 2022.
Background
The history of India is about unprecedented bravery and valour against the oppressors. The role of Lachit Borphukan in India’s freedom struggle is one such glorious chapter in the nation’s history. Lachit Borphukan (November 24, 1622 —April 25, 1672) was the famous General of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam who defeated the Mughals and successfully halted the ever-expanding ambitions of the Mughals under Aurangzeb. He inspired the Assamese soldiers in the Battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671, and inflicted a crushing and humiliating defeat on the Mughals. The heroic fight of Lachit Borphukan and his army remains one of the most inspiring military feats of resistance in the history of our country.
On November 24 each year, Lachit Divas (Lachit Day) is celebrated state-wide in Assam to commemorate the heroism of Lachit Borphukan and the victory of the Assamese army at the Battle of Saraighat.
Borphukan achieved the biggest victory of his period in adverse circumstances against a large Mughal army. He united and brought together the tribal forces of Assam. The bravery shown by Veer Lachit Borphukan at Saraighat was also the culmination of his immense love for the motherland. The courage and fearlessness of Lachit Borphukan are the identities of Assam.
Steps were taken to promote Unsung Hero 'Lachit Borphukan’
- Since 1999, in the National Defence Academy (NDA), the Lachit Barphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet so that India’s brave soldiers can take inspiration from this warrior.
- The then President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, laid the foundation for a war memorial and a 150-foot bronze statue of the commander in Assam on February 25, 2022. Along with the statue, the memorial will also feature a 100-ft-long 'Hengdang' (Ahom sword).
- The Prime Minister released the book - 'Lachit Borphukan - Assam's Hero who Halted the Mughals' in the closing ceremony of the 400th birth anniversary celebration of Lalchit Borphukan in New Delhi on November 25, 2022.
- The Assam government also announced the setting up of a museum to make the bravery saga of Veer Lachit Borphukan accessible to a greater number of people. The Assam government has also launched a theme song to connect people with this vision.
- The Prime Minister suggested creating a grand theatre play on Lachit Borphukan on the lines of the one on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and taking that to every corner of the country, which would give a great boost to the resolution of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
The life of Veer Lachit Borphukan is an inspiration to the whole country. The story of his valour and indomitable courage will always act as a source of inspiration for the people of India.