Lekhapani (Assam), Jan 16: President A P J Abdul Kalam today called for unity among all sections of society despite differences of language, caste and religion. "We can live together though we may differ in origin, language, caste and creed", Kalam said after inaugurating the three-lane Sukapha harmony arch here as part of the Dehing Patkai festival.
Kalam also urged people to emulate the liberal attitude of Ahom kingdom founder Sukapha who after coming to Assam from Thailand never imposed his religion and culture on this part of the country but rather, worked for the upliftment of the local traditions and culture.
He said it was his dream to visit the Brahmaputra basin since childhood.
Recognising the perennial problem of devastating floods in the state, he said the time had come to lay stress on river networking at the national level to counter the scourge.
After his arrival here, the president inaugurated a weaving centre in village Lal Pahar and also interacted with school children, besides visiting remote tribal village Longtong.
This was followed by inauguration of the 44 feet high and 66 feet wide concrete Sukapha arch in the memory of king Sukapha who came to this part of the country 800 years ago and founded the Ahom kingdom. Bureau Report