507th birth anniversary of Chilarai observed in Bongaigaon

We must follow Bir Chilarai's example of true patriotism and bravery: Sonowal

FROMN OUR CORRESPONDENT

BONGAIGAON, Feb 10: Stating that Bir Chilarai's example of patriotism and bravery must be followed by the young generation of the state, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal today said that the government is taking many steps to immortalise the great General of the erstwhile Kamata Kingdom ruled by Koch Dysty.  

Taking part as the Chief Guest in the 507th Birth Anniversary celebration of Chilarai organised by Cultural Affairs Department at Bongaigaon today, Chief Minister Sonowal reiterated the various measures like setting up of Chilarai Cultural Project, building two statues of Chilarai at Rakhaldubi and Golakganj, establishing Chilarai Information and Research Centre at Chepakhowa have been chalked up in the Budget which indicate the government's commitment to preserve the glory of Bir Chilarai for posterity.

Stating that Chilarai was not only his elder brother King ra rayan's commander-in-chief who played crucial role in expanding the Koch Empire, Chief Minister Sonowal said that Chilarai was a visiory who envisaged an unified Assam and his gallantry and patriotism were unparallel.   

Quoting noted historian Arnold J. Toynbee who considered Chilarai as a famous warrior of the world, Sonowal said if Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhabdeva were not given patroge by Koch King ra rayan and his brother Chilarai, Assamese culture and literature would have been at a loss because only due to their Royal Patroge Sankardeva was able to establish the "Ek Saran am Dharma" in Assam and bring about his cultural reissance.

Referring to the Chilarai's ideals of protecting the environment and maintaining harmony among all sections of the society Chief Minister Sonowal said that the government is making all efforts for achieving inclusive growth of the state following the ideals of great Koch General.

Chief Minister Sonowal today posthumously presented Bir Chilarai Award to martyr Balen Hazarika which was received by Hazarika's wife Barli Hazarkia.

Before that Chief Minister Sonowal also iugurated a statue of Bir Chilarai at the All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union (AKRSU) Head Quarters situated at Bhakribhita and laid the foundation stone of the Chilarai Socio-Cultural Research Centre. The Chief Minister also iugurated a statue of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at Eco Development Park in Bongaigaon and formally iugurated a Toy Train Project at the Park.

Minister for Cultural Affairs ba Kumar Doley, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, BJP State President Ranjit Dass and several MLAs and other top officials of the state government were present on the occasion.

GOLAGHAT:  Along with the rest of the state, Golaghat district also observed the Chilarai Divas in the aegis of All Koch Rajbongsi Students' Union (AKRSU), Chilarai Se and Koch Rajbongsi Mohila Samiti at Amateur Hall here on Friday.

The day was observed with a day-long programme. The programme was started with the flag hosting by Dhanti Bora, president of AKRSU followed by floral tribute to Veer Chilarai by Mintu Bora, secretary general of Chilarai Se and smriti tarpan by AKRSU secretary Rupjyoti Dutta.

The open session was iugurated by social worker Keshab Barman and the meeting was presided over president of AKRSU, Dhanti Bora.

In the open session several distinguished educationist delivered speeches.