Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed Assam’s entry into the Guinness World Records for the highest number of handwritten notes received as part of an essay/article writing campaign organised by the BJP-led state government on the 17th century Ahom general Lachit Barphukan.

In the 99th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi spoke about the month-long campaign which “strengthens the spirit of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat”.

The campaign was held from October 26 to November 26 last year as part of the year-long celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of the general, known for his leadership and valour against the invading Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.

The campaign received 42,94,350 essays or write-ups on Barphukan.

Modi said: “... You will be surprised to know that about 45 lakh people sent essays for this. You will also be happy to know that now it has become a Guinness Record. And the biggest thing and a matter of great happiness is that these essays that have been written and sent by the people on Veer Lachit Barphukan have been written in about 23 different languages.”

Apart from the Assamese language, “people have sent essays in languages such as Hindi, English, Bangla, Bodo, Nepali, Sanskrit, and Santhali. I express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been a part of this effort,” the Prime Minister said.

Altogether 57 lakh online entries were received but only the hand-written ones were considered.

A three-day concluding function of the anniversary celebration was held in Delhi in November and was attended by Modi, among others.

Assam is now eyeing another Guinness world record. Preparations are on to host the biggest Bihu with over 11,000 performers during Rongali Bihu celebrations at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati on April 14. Workshops for the participants are being held in all 31 districts.

According to Sarma, Modi is scheduled to attend the record-setting Bihu performance.

Assam NGO honoured

New Delhi: Students’ Welfare Mission, an NGO from Assam’s Pathsala which has been working for special and autistic children, has been conferred with the Children’s Champion Award 2023 here.

Instituted by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights last year to recognise individuals and institutions that have championed the cause of children across education, justice, health, nutrition, sports and artistic expression categories, the Mission, popularly known as Tapoban, has been awarded in the health and nutrition category, an official release said.

The awards were handed out by Justice P.S. Narasimha of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of the Odisha High Court S. Muralidhar and Delhi education minister Atishi Marlena at a function held here on Saturday.

Founder president of the Mission, Kumud Kalita, received the award that carries Rs 75,000, a certificate and a plaque.

PTI