NIT Silchar Lights 1,11,111 Diyas Honouring Shri Ram, Operation Sindoor Jawans, Zubeen Garg

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar set a glowing record on Sunday evening by lighting 1,11,111 (one lakh eleven thousand one hundred and eleven) diyas during its annual Deepotsav celebration. The event paid tribute to Lord Shri Ram, the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor, and the late Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg.

From above, the illuminated ground offered a breathtaking sight, depicting images of Lord Shri Ram and a symbolic representation of Operation Sindoor alongside a special tribute to Zubeen Garg.

Speaking about the celebration, NIT Silchar Director Prof. Dilip Kumar Baidya said, “Every year we celebrate this festival, and our students tried to do something different this year. They have lit over one lakh diyas. The theme encompasses Shri Ram, Operation Sindoor Jawans, and Zubeen Garg. With full respect to our beloved Zubeen Garg, we are paying tribute to him. The festivities are eco-friendly, using earthen lamps and regular oil to keep it grounded.”

Soumya Ranjan Das, coordinator of Deepotsav, said, “We are trying to show our respect towards Operation Sindoor, our beloved Zubeen Da, whom we recently lost, and of course, our devotion to Lord Shri Ram. We have lit a total of one lakh, eleven thousand, one hundred and eleven diyas today.”

A student representative added, “We had over 400 volunteers. This event gives us great pride. It started small, with only 5,000 diyas. Last year we reached 51,000, and this year we have crossed a lakh—it’s a record. This is one of the most unique events in Assam this year.”

Another student shared, “Preparations began a week ago. We faced many challenges but overcame them, and today we have successfully lit over one lakh diyas. We aim to create a record through this initiative. The design pays tribute to Zubeen Da, Operation Sindoor Jawans, and Lord Shri Ram.”

The organisers said that every year, Deepotsav not only celebrates the festival of lights but also connects with current events and themes that carry social messages. “We always show Lord Shri Ram, but we also try to stay relevant to current affairs. Next year, we will aim for something that spreads a positive social message and creates an impact,” said a student volunteer.

The Deepotsav was held at the football ground of NIT Silchar, where hundreds of students, staff, and guests gathered to witness the mesmerising display of light, unity, and devotion.