Assam, has made history by creating the largest online photo album of handwritten notes, consisting of a staggering 42,94,350 photos. The initiative was organized by the government of Assam to celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of legendary Ahom commander Lachit Barphukan on February 1, 2023. The Guinness World Records has officially recognized this record-breaking achievement on its website.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude towards the students and other participants who wrote tributes for Lachit Barphukan, and shared a photograph of receiving the Guinness World Records certificate on social media. The Assam government began the celebration of the iconic hero’s birth anniversary on November 23, 2022, in New Delhi. Entries for the world record attempt were uploaded to a portal between October and November last year. While there were entries in more than 25 languages, handwritten notes were only considered for the record.
Lachit Barphukan was born on November 24, 1622, and is known for leading the Ahom army in the Battle of Saraighat, which halted the invasion by Mughal forces under the command of Ramsingh I. Ahom king Jaydhway Singha signed the treaty of Ghilajharighat with the Mughals led by Aurangazeb on January 23, 1663. His successor Chakradhway Singha prepared for a full-fledged war to retrieve the lost territory and Lachit Barphukan was chosen as the leader and given the rank of Barphukan (commander) in 1667.
This remarkable achievement by the state of Assam is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lachit Barphukan and the pride and affection felt by the people of Assam towards their cultural heroes.
