Guwahati, Nov 14: The Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Assam (TYPA) has announced that this year’s the prestigious Mahavir Lachit Award will be conferred upon Lt Gen (retired) Rana Pratap Kalita, a distinguished former officer of the Indian Army from Assam who served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Eastern Command.
TYPA president Bijay Rajaakonwar made this announcement during a press conference at the Dispur Press Club on Thursday.
With a career spanning over forty years, Lt Gen Kalita retired on December 31, 2023. His exemplary service and dedication to the nation have earned him this recognition. The award ceremony will take place on November 24 at Jyoti Chitraban in Guwahati, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan.
TYPA office bearers will present the award during a solemn function in honour of Lachit Barphukan’s legacy.
The award will include a hengdang (traditional sword), Tai Ahom attire, a memento, and a felicitation certificate.
Born in Rangia, Tamulpur district on December 31, 1963, Kalita is an alumnus of Sainik School, Goalpara, the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. Commissioned into the 9 Kumaon Regiment on June 9, 1984, he has since held significant command positions, including a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion and Corps in the Northeast.
Lt Gen Kalita’s career is marked by extensive operational experience in various operations across India and Sri Lanka, such as Op PAWAN in Sri Lanka, Op PARAKRAM and Op RAKSHAK in Jammu & Kashmir, and Op BAJRANG and Op RHINO in Assam. His staff appointments have also contributed to his expertise in counterinsurgency.
Rajkonwar announced that the Lachit Divas, celebrated over two days, will conclude with the award presentation on November 24.
In 2022, the TYPA presented the Mavir Lachit Award to Lt Gen (retired) Pranaab Kumar Bharali, first North Easterner to head the Army Aviation Corps.
