Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
highlighted the far-sighted thinking of 13th century kings from Ahom
dynasty who ruled the State for approximately 600 years and helped weave a
single Assamese identity irrespective of the prevalent diversity.
The Ahoms laid the foundation of a strong
administrative structure and the history of the Assamese people is inextricably
connected with decisions and governance of the kingdom, he said.
Dr Himanta was speaking on the occasion
of ‘Asom Diwas’, which marks the establishment of the Ahom kingdom by
Siu-Ka-Pha 700 years ago, at Tingkhong in Dibrugarh district.
“Today, over 700 years ago, Swargadeo
Siu-Ka-Pha descended to our land and built the mighty Ahom Kingdom, one of
Bharat’s longest-ruling empires. The Assamese society has been enriched by his
contribution to create an environment of assimilation of different ethnic
groups,” he said.
Assam’s inhabitants trace their language
and culture to the Ahoms, and the rulers with their political maturity played a
significant role in the history of the Assamese people, he said.
Other than political terms, the Ahom
kingdom gave a new dimension to the life of Assam and its people even in
socio-economic and material cultural terms, he added.
“Asom Diwas is a day to celebrate our
ancient civilisational values. A civilisation which not only embraced diverse
ideas but also rose to the occasion and exemplified indomitable courage to
defeat invaders,” stated Dr Himanta.
On Asom Diwas, “I prayed to our
ancestors who created our Assamese society with progressive values”, added the Assam
CM.
The State Government is also committed
to preserve and expand the rich legacy of Ahoms and many steps have been taken
in this direction, he said.
Expressing gratitude to PM Narendra Modi
“for nominating the Charaideo Maidams for UNESCO World Heritage Site” CM Himanta
exuded hope that “it will get the coveted recognition”.
‘Maidams’, the burial mounds of Ahom
royalty, are also termed as ‘Assam’s pyramids’.
A UNESCO delegation has already visited
the Charaideo Maidam and the State Government has taken multiple steps towards
establishing Assam’s heritage and culture, he added.
“The Maidams are one of the divergent
aspects of the Ahom heritage. Our government is trying to establish the culture
and heritage of the greater Assamese nation which the great rulers strengthened
firmly in the global mindset,” stated CM Himanta.
North East Watch Desk
