PM Modi Unveils 125-Foot Bronze Statue Of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan In Assam's Jorhat. WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the 125-foot bronze statue of Lachit Borphukan in Assam's Jorhat.

Crafted by Ram Vanji Sutar, the statue stands 84 feet tall and is set on a pedestal of 41 feet, resulting in a total height of 125 feet. ( Image Source :ANI )

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled the 125-foot bronze statue of 'Ahom general' Lachit Borphukan in Assam's Jorhat. Borphukan was the famous general of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam who defeated the Mughals. The statue, titled the 'Statue of Valour,' was unveiled by the prime minister at the Lachit Borphukan Maidam Development Project in Hollongapar near Teok.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils the statue of Lachit Borphukan, in Jorhat, Assam. pic.twitter.com/oKccvcdrkQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024

PM Modi arrived at Jorhat from Arunachal Pradesh on a helicopter. He donned traditional attire and headgear for the occasion. He participated in an Ahom ritual as part of the statue's unveiling. PM Modi also offered 'tarpan' (offering made to divine entities) in Jorhat. 

The state’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accompanied the prime minister during the programme. 

In a post on X, CM Sarma said, "Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is dedicating the Statue of Valour: A magnificent tribute to Lachit Borphukan - to the people of Bharat at Jorhat".

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendramodi Ji is dedicating the Statue of Valour: A magnificent tribute to Lachit Borphukan - to the people of Bharat at Jorhat. https://t.co/OxR5uVeXLc

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@himantabiswa) March 9, 2024

Crafted by Ram Vanji Sutar, the statue stands 84 feet tall and is set on a pedestal of 41 feet, resulting in a total height of 125 feet. The foundation for the statue was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind in February 2022.

Lachit Borphukan was a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826), and is celebrated for his leadership in the 1671 'Battle of Saraighat.' The Ahom general fought relentlessly to curb the expansion of the Mughal Empire in Assam.

According to the Assam government, this project encompasses the construction of the Lachit and Tai-Ahom Museums, along with a 500-seat auditorium. The initiative aims to commemorate the virtues of Lachit Borphukan and promote awareness about his contributions, according to the ANI report. Additionally, it is anticipated to bolster tourism in the region and create employment opportunities.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi enjoyed an elephant ride and a jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On Friday, PM Modi held a roadshow in Kaziranga, where locals gathered in large numbers to extend a warm welcome. Cultural events were organised as part of the enthusiastic reception for him.