Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Charaideo Moidam, a unique 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam, during the 112th episode of his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday.
Charaideo Moidam has been nominated for inclusion as a Cultural Property at the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting, held in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024. This site will be India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage site.
In his Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi said, “Charaideo Moidam of Assam is being included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This will be the 43rd site in India and the first in the northeast. Charaideo means ‘a shining city on the hills.’ It was the first capital of the Ahom Dynasty. People of the Ahom Dynasty traditionally kept the bodies of their ancestors and their valuables in Moidam.”
Moidam is a hillock-like structure covered with soil, with one or more rooms below. The prime minister mentioned that it symbolizes respect for the late kings and dignitaries of the Ahom empire. He emphasized that this way of honoring ancestors is unique.
“Community worship was also performed at this place. Starting from the 13th century, this empire lasted until the beginning of the 19th century. It is a significant achievement for an empire to endure for such a long period. Perhaps the principles and beliefs of the Ahom empire were so strong that they sustained the dynasty for so long,” he said.
Recalling the statue unveiling earlier this year at Charaideo Moidam, PM Modi said, “I had the privilege of unveiling the tallest structure on March 9 this year, dedicated to the great Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan, a symbol of courage and bravery in Assam. You too should definitely include this site in your travel plans.”
The Prime Minister also lauded the participants of the International Mathematics Olympiad and interacted with them. “A few days ago, the Olympics of mathematics, the International Mathematics Olympiad, took place. Youth from more than 100 countries participated, and our team succeeded in reaching the top five.”
He urged young math enthusiasts to draw inspiration from the Olympiad participants and enjoy mathematics.
Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi’s monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, including women, the elderly, and the youth.
Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, Mann Ki Baat is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is aired by more than 500 centers of All India Radio.
(With ANI Inputs)
