Assam govt. to emulate Sui-Ka-Pha’s ideals to embolden Assamese identity : Sonowal

He was the first Ahom king in medieval Assam.

Stating that Sui-Ka-Pha set the tone for a unified, strong and prosperous Assam, Sonowal vowed to follow his ideals for expediting and strengthening unity and brotherhood amongst all communities of the State and to build a vigorated Assamese identity.
          
The Assam CM said that Sui-Ka-Pha followed the motto of compassion for all which was the cornerstone of great Ahom dynasty that lasted for nearly 600 years.

Sonowal asserted that the State Government will march ahead taking all communities into confidence for realizing its development agenda.

Terming Sui-Ka-Pha as a great example of human victory against odds, the Assam CM urged the new generation to read his life and emulate his ideals.
      
Stating that the significance of Charaideo and its importance to the State polity has not fully been realized, the Assam CM underlined his Government’s priority for protecting this site which has already been placed in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

“Charaideo will be protected against the ravages of time and the Government will conserve the entire area alongwith a well thought out plan to make this place as one of the most sought after tourist destination,” Sonowal said.

The Assam CM also mentioned about the Act East Policy of the Government of India and the Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas motto of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said they carry the shadow of Sui-Ka-Pha’s journey from Yunnan and the rule of polity.

Sonowal at the sametime reflected that effective implementation of the Act East Policy will open new avenues and prosperity in the North East as the same will help in setting up trade linkages with the South East Asian nations.

He further urged the people for their support and active role in materializing this Policy of the Government.
    
Eminent Hostorian Dr. Rajen Saikia who delivered the keynote address lauded the Government’s initiative to hold the central celebration at Charadeo and said that it will send a meaningful message to the entire Assamese community.

Speaking about the unparallel history of Ahom dynasty, Dr. Saikia termed the chronicling of everyday events as one of the greatest contributions of Sui-Ka-Pha which set the foundations of history writings in Assam.

He also recalled the contributions of Dr. Surjya Kumar Bhuyan for bringing the Moidams of Charadeo into limelight and advocated for indepth research on the route travelled by Sui-Ka-Pha from Yunan.

Dr. Saikia also urged the Chief Minister to act strongly on the problems created by repeated re-organization of the State since 1905, its influx problem and divisive movements as the same belie Sui-Ka-Pha’s concept of unified and strong Assam.
          
Coinciding the Asom Divas celebration, the Assam CM also presented a cheque of Rs. 1 lac to meet the medical expenses of ailing Tai Scholar Junaram Sangbun Phukan.

Earlier, the Assam CM  laid a wreath at the statue of Sui-Ka-Pha at Sui-Ka-Pha Museum premises and offered torpan at the Moidam of Sui-Ka-Pha following the Tai Ahom rituals.

State Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley, Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Prashanta Phukan, Topon Gogoi, Jogen Mohan, Kushal Duari, Binod Hazarika, Chakra Gogoi, Rituparna Baruah, Bimal Bora, Anuar Hussain, Sanjay Kishan, Dimbeswar Das, officials of Cultural Affairs Department and District Administration were present among others in the programme.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)