Charaideo's Maidams represent Pride & Self Respect of Assamese: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, welcomes the inclusion of Maidams of Charaideo as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site here today. Shri Sonowal said that the inclusion of Maidams as World Heritage Sites is a long-overdue yet rare moment of recognition for the people of Assam and Northeast India.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Charaideo Maidams, which embody the valor and indomitable spirit of the great Ahom kings, stand as a proud symbol of self-respect and cultural pride for the Assamese community. It is a delightful news that Charaideo Maidam has been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the cultural category. This prestigious acknowledgment brings global attention to the rich history of the Ahom dynasty. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in showcasing the vibrant history of the Tai Ahoms on the world stage. It is a great moment to invite tourists to explore the Maidams of Charaideo, being the first cultural heritage site in the North-East to earn this distinction, and experience the unique architecture and profound heritage of the Ahom era. My thanks to the Government of Assam, the Tai Ahom organisations, distinguished researchers, and all those who have actively contributed to achieve this feat. The global recognition of the Maidams, which preserve the illustrious legacy of the nearly 600-year-old Ahom kingdom, continues to inspire the Assamese people. This honour motivates everyone of us to continue our diligent efforts for our country, guided by the ideals of the great Ahom Swargdeos.”

It is important to highlight that Shri Sonowal played a pivotal role in this achievement during his tenure as Chief Minister of Assam. In 2020, Shri Sonowal spearheaded the organisation of “Me-Dam-Me-Phi” at Charaideo, an initiative by the State Government. Shri Sonowal also took the initiative to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the significance of Charaideo, urging him to elevate its recognition both nationally and internationally. Under Shri Sonowal’s leadership, several review meetings were held with relevant Assam government ministers to secure World Heritage Site status for Charaideo Maidam.

In February 2017, Shri Sonowal participated in the Charaideo session of the Purvanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha, where he announced the establishment of a Cultural Center in the Charaideo area and committed an initial budget of Rs 5 crore. This commitment was honoured with the allocation in that year’s budget. The following year, an allocation of Rs 25 crores was made for the World Heritage Site under the Archaeological Head, with Keshav Mahanta serving as the Minister at the time.

The Assam government, under the direction of then Chief Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, appointed Dr. K.C. Nauriyal, former Director of the Central Archaeological Department, to lead a high-level committee. The committee, which also included Dr. Jogen Phukan, Dr. Dayananda Borgohain, Dr. Dilip Buragohain of Garhgaon, Jiten Borpatra Gohain, and Dr. Zarirul Alam, overcame numerous challenges and completed their work ahead of schedule. The government provided an additional Rs 25 crore for the project. Subsequently, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in his capacity as a Union Cabinet Minister, played a crucial role in presenting the dossier to UNESCO, coordinating with the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure its successful submission.

*******

MJPS/AK