Dibrugarh: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday attended the central celebrations of Me-Dam-Me-Phi at a function held at Tipam in Dibrugarh district.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that the Ahom Regime played a crucial role in contributing to the political and cultural enrichment of Assam. There exists an intrinsic relationship between Tipam and the Ahom Rule. In the context of Ahom history, Tipam is the most important place after Charaideo.

He said that the founder of Ahom Kingdom Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha started an important phase of his life from Tipam.

The Chief Minister said that the ancient deoshal situated on the Tipam hill is the testimony of the spiritual edifice of the Ahom Kingdom.

Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha performed his spiritual activities at this deoshal which others also continued. During the Ahom Kingdom, Tipam was the link between Assam and other countries of the East.

The Chief Minister also said that at Tipam, Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha strengthened the edifice of agricultural economy of the state.

He also said that Me-Dam-Me-Phi is an important festival of the Ahoms. The present generation celebrates this festival to offer its homage to the fore-fathers.

This is the festival which strengthens the link between past and present. Me-Dam-Me-Phi gives an opportunity to the present generation to show its homage to the past.

Chief Minister Sarma said that Siu-Ka-Pha provided the social, linguistic, cultural identity of the people living in the Brahmaputra valley and strengthened the bond of unity among them.

Lachit Barphukan of the Mughal regime was the symbol of courage and  gallantry who saved the sovereignty and integrity along with safeguarding the identity of the people of Assam.

He said that by celebrating the 400 years birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan in New Delhi, the Government of Assam spread the name and fame of Veer Lachit outside Assam.

He said that by spreading its heritage worldwide, Charaideo is in the race to become the famed World Heritage Site.

The Chief Minister also said that the State government has taken steps to upgrade the roads of Tipam and transform it into an attractive tourist destination.

Sarma said that to give an exposure to the youth of the areas, a hockey stadium will be built. 
Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, President of the organizing secretary and MLA Taranga Gogoi, MLA Terosh Goala, Chairman ATDC Rituparna Baruah and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)