The Society for Tai Ahom Resurgence (STAR) organized a grand “Reunion of Tai Relatives” at Yuva Dol in Sivasagar, bringing together Tai Royal Families from Myanmar and their counterparts from Assam. The event marked a historic reconnection between descendants of Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom dynasty, and Tai communities across borders.
The reunion was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who described the gathering as “a celebration of shared heritage, language, and cultural bonds that transcend geographical boundaries.” He praised the Tai communities for preserving their lineage and traditions, calling the event “a journey of rediscovery.”
Mein highlighted that the Tai Ahom legacy continues to inspire generations through its values of courage, wisdom, and unity. “Yak is not just a source of livelihood; it is an integral part of the culture, heritage and identity of Himalayan communities,” he said, reaffirming the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural identity.
He also commended STAR Chairman Dr Hemanta Kumar Gogoi and his team for organising the reunion and extending warm hospitality to the Myanmar delegation. Referring to his association with Myanmar-based Shan history researcher Sai San Aik, Mein said his visits to Putao and the Shan region helped strengthen people-to-people ties between Tai communities.
The Deputy Chief Minister spoke about the ancient migration routes of the Tai people through the Pangsau Pass and Patkai ranges and explained the Tai origins of place names such as Pangsau (“large field”) and Patkai (“ritual of destiny”). He recalled the largely forgotten story of Ranuah Gohain, a Tai royal leader who led an armed resistance against British forces in 1839, predating the 1857 uprising, and assured efforts to document this early freedom movement.
Calling for renewed efforts to preserve the Tai language, Mein said it is a “living link to our collective past and a treasure of history, literature, and tradition.” He urged cross-border collaboration in linguistic revival, cultural research, and youth engagement.
A five-member delegation from Myanmar arrived in Assam on November 7 to reconnect with their ancestral roots. The group visited Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Tipam, exploring monuments that narrate the legacy of Chaolung Sukapha.
Cultural scholar Prof. Hiranmani Borgohain Gogoi said the visit aims to reinforce centuries-old socio-cultural and historical ties between the Tai communities of Assam and Myanmar. The event featured colourful cultural performances by the Khamti troupe, including traditional Ai Sing Lao, Ahom Tai modern dance, Tai peacock dance, Katou dance, Hengdang dance, and musical demonstrations.
The Tai-Ahoms trace their ancestry to the Tai people who migrated from Yunnan, China, under Sukapha’s leadership in 1228 CE, establishing a dynasty that ruled Assam for nearly six centuries. Their rule left a profound imprint on Assam’s political, social, and cultural evolution.
The event concluded with a call for continued cultural collaboration and efforts to revive Tai heritage. Distinguished attendees included Tultul Handique, Hemanta Kumar Gogoi, and Krishna Kamal Lahon. A special tribute was also paid to late artist Zubeen Garg during the ceremony.