Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that people have been taught about the slavery of Indians in schools as part of a conspiracy by foreign countries, and not about the great heroes of the country.
Speaking on the occasion of the 400th birth anniversary of legendary Assamese warrior Lachit Borphukan, PM Modi said that such “unsung” heroes must be celebrated.
Borphukan is known for defeating the Mughals in the battle of Saraighat.
“Unfortunate history of Indian slavery people is taught even after the Independence. The history which was written as a conspiracy was the agenda of foreigners who made us slaves. It needs to be changed,” he told the gathering.
The mistake is being changed now, he said, adding “Now stories of victory over tyranny during the long period of repression will come to light.”
The prime minister also released a book titled ‘Lachit Borphukan – Assam’s Hero Who Halted The Mughals at the function here. It is based on the life of the brave general of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam, Borphukan who defeated the Mughals under Aurangzeb’s rule in 1671 and successfully halted their ever-expanding ambitions.
PM Modi said, “Immortal sons of Maa Bharati like Lachit Borphukan are the inspiration of fulfilling the resolutions of the Amrit Kaal. They make us familiar with the identity and glory of our history and also spur us to dedicate ourselves to the nation.”
He suggested creating a grand theatre play on Lachit Borphukan on the lines of the one on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and taking that to every corner of the country. “This will give a great boost to the resolution of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’,” he said.
“We have to make India developed and make Northeast, the hub of India’s growth. I am sure that the spirit of 400th Jayanti of Veer Lachit Borphukan will give strength to our resolve and the nation will achieve its goals”, PM Modi said in his speech.
The event was organized from November 23 to 25 under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations in New Delhi.