Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, led a vibrant celebration of Assam Day (Asom Diwas) at his official residence in New Delhi on Tuesday, dedicating the event to Chaolung Sukapha, the revered founder of the Ahom kingdom and the architect of Greater Assam. The minister offered a floral tribute before Sukapha’s portrait, reflecting on his extraordinary legacy of unity and peace.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal emphasised the deep significance of the founder’s contribution. “It is a moment of great pride to participate in this special celebration dedicated to Chaolung Sukapha, the revered forefather of the greater Assamese community,” he said. Sonowal highlighted how Sukapha’s actions in the early 13th century laid the groundwork for a harmonious society.
“The steps he initiated to unite the indigenous people of Assam laid the foundation for a society rooted in peace and harmony. The entire Assamese nation will remain forever indebted to him,” the minister stated.
Sonowal explained that observing Assam Day in the national capital serves a crucial purpose: “The objective is to showcase Assam’s rich cultural identity, heritage, and glorious history before the people of India.”
The Union Minister drew parallels between Sukapha’s compassionate and unifying leadership and the principles guiding modern nation-building. He noted that Sukapha built unity by moving forward with integration, goodwill, trust, and empathy, ensuring equal opportunity and rights for all, despite the region’s diverse languages and traditions.
Sonowal then connected Sukapha’s governance model to the present, asserting that the Prime Minister’s philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is built on the path laid by the Ahom founder.
“History teaches us that when leadership is strong, truthful, and trustworthy, rapid progress of a country becomes inevitable,” he said, adding that inclusive development strengthens the foundation of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister, Sonowal shared that Assam Day was officially celebrated for the first time on December 2, 2016, at Charaideo in Sukapha’s memory. He also expressed joy that the Charaideo Maidam—associated with the Ahom kings—has received UNESCO World Heritage recognition, which he said would “continue to remind future generations of the power of unity.”
The event was attended by Union Ministers of State Pabitra Margherita and Shantanu Thakur, along with numerous MPs and distinguished guests.
