A distinguished and solemn book launch ceremony was organised today at the Vichar-Vinimay Auditorium, Keshav Kunj, New Delhi, to unveil the monumental work “Lachit Barphukan: The Great Warrior Who Defeated Aurangzeb’s Army.”
The event was jointly hosted by the Centre for North East Studies (CNES), Phone Foundation, and Prabhat Prakashan. The book is a profound tribute to Lachit Barphukan, the valiant Ahom General of Assam, celebrated for his unmatched military leadership and his pivotal role in defending India’s civilizational heritage. It chronicles his strategic brilliance and enduring contribution to the nation’s collective memory.
The event witnessed an eminent gathering of scholars, academicians, authors, and thought leaders from across the Delhi–NCR region.
• Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
• Professor Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), was present as the Guest of Honour.
• Senior academics, research scholars, and literary figures enriched the occasion with their presence.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Valentina Brahma, Head of the Centre for North East Studies, setting the tone for the evening’s intellectual engagement. Union Minister Shri Pabitra Margherita, Chief Guest, said, Lachit Barphukan’s supreme dedication is fundamentally a victory of the Nation’s very soul.
Being of Ahom descent myself, this subject holds profound personal significance. His bravery transcends Assamese chronicles; it represents the restoration of the valour saga of all India. His triumph was not just over an army, but a demonstration of that indomitable national spirit which can never be subjugated.
Professor Dhananjay Singh, Guest of Honour, expressed, Lachit Barphukan was more than a military commander; he is a timeless embodiment of courage, duty, and unwavering patriotism. His life teaches us that true strength resides not in weaponry, but in the profound and unbreakable love for one’s motherland and cultural heritage.
Assam is not merely a regional state, but the eastern civilizational gateway of India, a source from which devotion, culture, and knowledge have flowed for centuries. Dr. Raktim Patar, Author and Associate Professor, JNU, remarked, Historical narratives in India have often relegated the North Eastern region to the periphery.
This book directly challenges that oversight, establishing that the region has always been a vital nucleus of Indian civilization. Its publication in Hindi is a dedicated step towards making this glorious history accessible to the widest national audience.
The presence of Shri Prabhat Ji, Prabhat Prakashan, added distinction to the ceremony. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Shri Surendra Ghongkrokta, President, Centre for North East Studies, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organisers for making the programme a resounding success.