Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, 1 October 2026, extended birthday greetings to former President Ram Nath Kovind, lauding him as a 'beacon of courage and dedication' who rose from modest origins to occupy the country's highest constitutional office. Sarma's tribute, shared via a post on X, also recalled Kovind's personal connection with Assam's cultural heritage — specifically his participation in celebrations honouring legendary Ahom General Lachit Barphukan.

Sarma's Tribute on X

In his post, Chief Minister Sarma praised Kovind's remarkable trajectory from the legal profession to national statesman. 'My best wishes to Former President of India, Adarniya @ramnathkovind ji on his birthday,' Sarma wrote. He added: 'A beacon of courage and dedication, he defied all odds to become a successful lawyer, lawmaker and eventually the First Citizen of the country.'

Sarma also invoked spiritual blessings for the former President, stating: 'Prayers to Maa Kamakhya and Srimanta Sankardev to bless him with long years in the service of Maa Bharti.'

The Lachit Barphukan Connection

A notable element of Sarma's message was his personal recollection of Kovind's engagement with Assam's history. The Chief Minister recalled how Kovind had presided over the 400th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Lachit Barphukan — the celebrated Ahom commander best remembered for his decisive victory at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, which repelled a Mughal advance into Assam.

'During his stint as the President, he enlightened us with his august presence on many important occasions. I still remember his keen interest in the life and legacy of Lachit Barphukan when he presided over the 400th Birth Anniversary celebrations of the great Ahom ruler,' Sarma said.

This is a politically and culturally resonant reference: under the current government, Lachit Barphukan has been elevated as a symbol of Assamese and broader Indian civilisational pride, and Kovind's enthusiastic participation in that commemoration is seen as reinforcing those ties.

Who Is Ram Nath Kovind

Born on 1 October 1945 in Paraunkh village, Kanpur Dehat district, Uttar Pradesh, Kovind served as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022. A qualified lawyer, he practised before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India before entering parliamentary politics. He was a Rajya Sabha member for two terms between 1994 and 2006, and was appointed Governor of Bihar in 2015, a post he held until his presidential election in 2017.

Significance of the Occasion

Kovind turns 81 today. His presidency, spanning five years, saw him participate in a range of cultural and constitutional events across India. His association with the Lachit Barphukan anniversary celebrations earned him particular goodwill in Assam, where regional identity and pride in the Ahom legacy carry significant political weight. Sarma's warm public tribute underscores the continued symbolic importance of that relationship between the state's leadership and the former head of state.