Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal led a vibrant celebration of Assam Day at his official residence in New Delhi, paying homage to Chaolung Sukapha, founder of the Ahom kingdom and architect of Greater Assam. Sonowal offered floral tributes before Sukapha’s portrait and reflected on his enduring legacy.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said it was a moment of great pride to honour Sukapha, whom he described as the revered forefather of the greater Assamese community. He noted that Sukapha’s early 13th-century efforts to unite the indigenous peoples of Assam laid the foundations for a society grounded in peace and harmony. “The entire Assamese nation will remain forever indebted to him,” Sonowal said.

He added that celebrating Assam Day in the national capital holds special significance, as it allows the state’s cultural identity, heritage and history to be showcased before the wider nation.

Sonowal emphasised that Sukapha’s leadership was rooted in compassion, justice and unity. Crossing the Patkai hills, Sukapha recognised that long-term prosperity depended on winning people’s trust through goodwill, empathy and integration. Despite linguistic and cultural diversity, he built unity across regions and ensured equal rights and opportunities for all.

Highlighting Sukapha’s continued relevance to modern nation-building, Sonowal said that strong, honest and trustworthy leadership enables rapid national progress. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model, inspired by “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, strengthens the foundation of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by promoting good governance and inclusive development.

Sonowal recalled that during his tenure as Chief Minister, Assam formally celebrated Assam Day for the first time on 2 December 2016 at Charaideo, in memory of Sukapha. Charaideo Maidam—associated with the Ahom kings—has since been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a development he said brings immense pride to the Assamese people.

He added that the global recognition would continue to remind future generations of the power of unity, encouraging society to move forward in the spirit demonstrated by Sukapha—respecting every community and working together towards a self-reliant and prosperous Assam.

Speakers including Jiten Hazarika, Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University; Prof. Rajib Sandikoi of Gauhati University; and Dr Omji Upadhyay, Member Secretary of ICHR Delhi, also addressed the gathering and reflected on Sukapha’s role in India’s historical and cultural development.

The event concluded with Sonowal interacting with students from Assam and the Northeast studying in Delhi. Union Ministers of State Pabitra Margherita and Shantanu Thakur, several MPs, former Assam Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah and other distinguished guests were also present.