Lively discussion by academicians in a symposium on ‘Assam History & Life of Lachit Barphukan’ at Gandhi Bhawan

way2barak, Nov.24: To commemorate the 400th Birth Anniversary of Bir Lachit Barphukan, a bouquet of programmes was organised by the District Administration Cachar along with the rest of the state. On Thursday, a symposium on “Assam History & Life of Lachit Barphukan” was held at Gandhi Bhawan, Silchar where eminent teachers of History deliberated on this germane issue.

The symposium kickstarted with the lightning of the lamp by Rajib Roy, District Development Commissioner (DDC), Cachar along with Himashri Deka, Asstt Commissioner cum DMC, SSA, Cachar and representative of MLA Silchar- Abhrajit Chakraborty. The guest speakers of the day were:

• Sudarshan Gupta, HoD of History, Radhamadhab College, Silchar
• Khaled Azom Mazumder, HoD of History, MCD College, Sonai
• Somdatta Bhattacharjee, HoD of History, Ramanuj Gupta Degree College
• Satarupa Bhattacharjee, Subject Teacher of History, Swarnalakshmi HS School, Narsingpur.

During the inaugural session, DDC Rajib Roy highlighted the role of Assam Government in organising the various events in connection with the 400th Birth Anniversary of Bir Lachit Barphukan. Assistant Commissioner Himashri Deka too spoke on the exploits of the Great Barphukan. Abhrajit Chakraborty, representative of MLA Silchar too stated various facets of Assam History with special emphasis on Lachit Barphukan.

Initiating the discussion, Khaled Azom Mazumder, HoD of History, MCD College, Sonai said, “Lachit Barphukan was the famous General of the great Ahom army who defeated the Mughals and halted the expanding ambitions of Aurangzeb in the second half of the 17th century.” He also dwelled on the heroic exploits of the Great General for his exemplary role in preserving the sovereignty of the then Ahoms.

Somdatta Bhattacharjee, HoD of History, Ramanuj Gupta Degree College in a lucid manner successfully connected with the audience by pointing out the genesis of the Ahom- Mughal conflict and upholding the role of Lachit in this conflict. She said, “The story of Lachit Barphukan beheading his own maternal Uncle for lapse in duty clearly demonstrates the love for nation which he cherished in his heart of hearts.”

Dwelling on the theoretical aspect of historiography, Sudarshan Gupta, HoD of History, Radhamadhab College, Silchar said, “Through such high-profile celebrations of his 400th birth anniversary, the Assam government is pushing for his national recognition as a hero along the lines of Shivaji, and as an important foil to the Mughals.” He further stated that positioning Lachit Barphukan and the likes in the mainstream Indian history will go a long way in finding solution to the aspect of identity crisis faced by the people of this region.

“Indian history has ignored our heroes. Indian history has ignored Lachit Barphukan, the Indian history has ignored the glorious Ahom dynasty. I hope and believe that this campaign of the government of Assam and the people will put the dynasty into its proper perspective. Indian history will recognise the glorious contribution of various kings and that India had a better general and better kings than Aurangzeb,” added Sudarshan Gupta.

Satarupa Bhattacharjee, Subject Teacher of History, Swarnalakshmi HS School, Narsingpur too highlighted the career and exploits of the great Lachit Barphukan. She in a lucid manner spoke about the then prevailing condition amidst which Lachit Barpukan led the Ahoms against the powerful Mughals. Her speech brought forth various other socio-political aspects of Assam history which proved the heroic exploits of Lachit Barphukan.

The “Assam History & Life of Lachit Barphukan” was ably moderated by Dr Bidyut Choudhury- District Programme Officer- Samagra Siksha Cachar cum Regional Secretary, SEBA Regional Office. His moderation of the symposium added flavour to the event.

Finally, the invited speakers and the moderator were felicitated with a memento and uttorio by  Himashri Deka, Asstt Commissioner cum DMC, SSA, Cachar on behalf of District Administration. The programme was compered by Biplob Biswas, Block Resource Person.