Guwahati, Sept 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is on a mission to ensure that the heroic legacy of Bir Lachit Borphukan, the valiant warrior who defeated the Mughals, is known and celebrated across India.
Speaking to the media, Sarma unveiled an ambitious plan to translate a book on Bir Lachit Borphukan, authored by Arup Dutta in English, into 24 regional languages. This initiative aims to promote the historical significance of Borphukan and his remarkable achievements, which have unfortunately remained obscured in the shadows of history.
The decision to translate the book into multiple regional languages is not just an act of cultural preservation; it’s an effort to educate the nation about the remarkable heroics of Bir Lachit Borphukan, who played a pivotal role in keeping the Mughals at bay in Assam.
CM Sarma expressed his vision, saying, “By the end of this financial year (April-May), we will be able to publish a book on Bir Lachit Borphukan in 24 regional languages.” This project, spearheaded by India’s 24 Sahitya Akademi Award-winning individuals, aims to make the story of Borphukan accessible to people from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
The chief minister’s passion for this project stems from his realization that many leaders in other states of India have only a vague understanding of the remarkable exploits of Bir Lachit Borphukan. When the Assam government requested other states to include a chapter on Borphukan in their school textbooks during the 400th birth anniversary celebrations, it became evident that there was a significant knowledge gap.
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Bir Lachit Borphukan’s victory over the Mughals, particularly in the Sariaghat war, is a historical feat that deserves recognition and respect. However, it appears that this crucial chapter in India’s history has remained relatively unknown to a broader audience.
CM Sarma emphasized that it’s not just about knowing his name but understanding the context in which Borphukan defeated the Mughals and how he managed to keep them at bay in Assam for a significant period.
Sarma asserted that only four individuals in India displayed such incredible valor and triumphed over the Mughals. These historical giants were Chhatrapati Shivaji, Durga Das Rathore, Guru Govind Singh, and Bir Lachit Borphukan. While Shivaji and Guru Govind Singh enjoy national recognition, the latter two remain largely unsung heroes outside their respective states.
To rectify this, CM Sarma has set the wheels in motion to create awareness and appreciation for Bir Lachit Borphukan’s contributions. He mentioned that even Assam’s closest neighbor, Siliguri, lacks awareness about this iconic figure in Assam’s history.
To make Borphukan’s story more accessible to people across India, the state government has directed the publication department to produce books about him in various regional languages. CM Sarma recognizes that spreading knowledge about this heroic figure requires reaching people in their native tongues.
