From Bhupen Goswami
Guwahathi: The Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that historical monuments and antiquities are the symbols of the art, culture and people of a state. Left by the ancestors, all have a duty towards protection and preservation of the historical monuments. Assam government has taken sequel of steps for the preservation of its historical monuments of the state for projecting Assam as one of the leading states in the world in the field of historical monuments. Inaugurating the World Heritage Week 2020 at Sivasagar today, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the Central government led by Prime Minister Narednra Modi earmarked Sivasagar as one of the five iconic sites in the country and therefore, taken several steps for the protection, preservation and beautification of the historical monuments of the district. He at the same time said, “Built by our forefathers, State government is committed to promote the state and the rare monuments”. He, therefore, called upon everybody to share collective responsibility to project the monuments and antiquities of the state before the world community. Chief Minister Sonowal also said that the Directorate of Archaeology has taken positive steps to preserve the lineage of the 42 Ahom Kings as well as other monuments scattered in several areas of the state. Sonowal also laid emphasis on generating awareness among the young generation about the rich cultural heritage of the state, as he asked the district administrations and public representatives to take steps in this regard. He said that the district administration and public representatives need to take proactive steps for acquainting the students with their rich cultural heritage in their respective districts. Synchronising with the occasion, Sonowal in acknowledging the role, conferred award christened ‘Aithijya Mitra’ on Krishna Kumar Sinha of Hojai, Nabin Buragohain of Sivasagar, Ghuguwa Preservation Committee of Dhemaji as the award consists of certificate, angabastra, approbation and Rs. 50 thousand to each of the awardees. Moreover, in recognition to their works related to preservation of historical monuments, Chief Minister Sonowal also felicitated Dilip Buragohian, Jiten Borpatrogohain, Dr. Atul Buragohian, Purna Gogoi and Tulsi Neog. Chief Minister synchronsing with the occasion also released books named Archaeological Heritage of South Asia, Handbook on Archaeology of Assam and Exploration Report of West Karbi Anglong district. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Archaeological matter Keshab Mahanta said that in accordance with the declaration of Sivasagar as iconic sites along with other four sites, Centre has sanctioned Rs. 3500 crore for the preservation and beautification of the cultural heritage. He also said that a world class museum will be built in Sivasagar for the preservation and beautification of the archaeological sites of Sivasagar. Moreover, for the proposed inclusion of Charaideo’s Maidam into UNESCO’s world heritage site, State government took a project involving Rs. 25 crore for the preservation and beautification of the maidams. The programme where welcome address was given by Commissioner and Secretary Cultural Affairs Preetom Saikia, Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah also spoke on the occasion. Minister of State for Revenue and Disaster Management Jogen Mohan, MP Rajya Sabha Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Kushal Duori Nabanita Handique, Rituporna Baruah, CEM Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council Dipu Ranjan Makrary, Chairman AHSEC Dayananda Buragohian Director Archaeology Department Deepirekha Kuli, DC Sivasagar Lakhinandan Gogoi and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
