Life-size statue of Raja Dharma Narayan unveiled in Mangaldai

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: On an auspicious day 22 of Fagun in 1616, Prince Boli Narayan alias Dharma Narayan, one of the grandsons of Mahaveer Chilarai -- the great General of Koch Kingdom, founded the Royal Koch Kingdom at Darrang with its capital at Kherkheria - presently Corramore Tea Estate along the Bhutan border. It later shifted its capital to Howly Mohanpur near Mangaldai town.

A troop of 12,000 brave heart soldiers from the King of Darrang took part in the historic battle of Saraighat and assisted the great General Lachit Borphukan in driving out the invader Mughals from Assam. And almost 400 years after the foundation of the Darrangi Koch Kingdom, Dr. Amarendra Narayan Dev -- the 11th generation member of the Royal Koch dynasty has taken up the initiative to construct the 15.5 feet-tall full size statue of King Dharma Narayan.

It is built at an estimated amount of Rs 20 lakh in the heart of Mangaldai town on the south- eastern corner of the bank of historic 'Bor Pukhuri' which is also well related with Darrangi Koch dynasty.

Eminent sculptor Biren Singha within a year has made this statue of Raja Dharma Narayan.

Prominent journalist, litterateur and former President of Axam Xahitya Xabha Kanak Sen Deka on this auspicious day unveiled the statue of Raja Dharma Narayan in presence of an august gathering of leading and senior citizens, women activists, students and the family members of the Darrangi Royal dynasty. In the statue unveiling function well anchored by artiste of repute Pranjal Sarma, prominent journalist Anuradha Sarma Pujari released 'Dharma Jyoti' - a souvenir containing 176 pages with the articles related to the Royal Koch dynasty of Darrang. Former Parliamentarian Madhab Rajbongshi has sponsored the souvenir.

Former President of Darrang Zila Xahitya Xabha and one of the family members of Raja Dharma Narayan, Dr. Amarendra Narayan Deb in his welcome speech highlighted the simple living standard and the people friendly attitude of Raja Dharma Narayan and other kings of Royal Darrangi Koch dynasty and their contribution in shaping the present Darrang district. He also appreciated the initiative of the Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar Borah and legislator Guru Jyoti Das in construction of the statue. Sculptor Biren Singha taking part in the unveiling function recalled his emotion and sentiment in making the statue. Presiding over the function legislator Guru Jyoti Das highly appreciated the spirit of Dr. Amarendra Narayan Deb in construction of the statue of the founder of Darrang.

Eminent historian and former legislator Dr. Nagendra Nath Sarma, litterateur Idrish Ali, industrialist of repute Mukul Chandra Deka also attended the statue unveiling function. Flutist of repute Dipak Sarma added another fragrance to the function with his recital of flute.

Later senior most Journalist and former president of Axam Xahitya Xabha Kanak Sen Deka took part in an interactive session with the media persons of Mangaldai Town Club.

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