Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan
(himangshur1989@gmail.com)
Assam, with its rich cultur-al heritage, vibrant tradi-tions, and diverse language, stands at a crucial juncture in its history. It is a land where the mighty Brahmaputra flows, where the songs of Bihu echo through its villages, and where the Assamese language is woven into the daily lives of its people. Yet, the state faces numerous challenges, and in the midst of these difficulties, the identity of the Assamese people is at risk. As we navigate through a period of rapid change and uncertainty, it becomes crucial to reflect on what it means to be Assamese and what responsibilities we bear in preserving our culture, language, and heritage for future generations.
The concept of a nation is built upon the unity, harmony, and collective consciousness of its people. In the case of Assam, the Assamese identity has always been tied closely to its language, culture, and history. However, the changing dynamics of the modern world, particularly the influence of globalisation and the dominance of foreign languages, have created a gap between the ideals of the past and the realities of the present. The question that arises is whether the people of Assam have truly embraced their cultural heritage in a way that ensures its survival and flourishing in the future.
One of the most pressing issues facing Assam today is the decline of the Assamese language. Language is the soul of a nation. It is the means through which people communicate, express their ideas, and connect with their heritage. The Assamese language has been the cornerstone of the Assamese identity for centuries, but it is increasingly under threat. The growing dominance of English, particularly in education and daily life, has led to a situation where the younger generation is becoming less proficient in their mother tongue. In many households, parents are increasingly prioritising English over Assamese, believing that proficiency in English will give their children a better chance at success in life. This shift has had a detrimental effect on the use of Assamese, both in schools and at home.
The consequences of this shift are far-reaching. As more children grow up speaking English and other languages, their connection to Assamese culture and literature weakens. The beauty of Assamese folk songs, the richness of its literary traditions, and the significance of its historical figures are lost on a generation that is increasingly disconnected from their roots. This disconnection from the language also leads to a weakening of cultural pride, as language and culture are inextricably linked. If the language fades, so too does the unique cultural identity of Assam.
Despite the growing threat to the language, there are still pockets of resistance. Many organisations, including the Assam Xahitya Xabha, continue to advocate for the promotion and preservation of Assamese. Efforts to ensure that Assamese is taught in schools, especially in government institutions, have been met with mixed results. While some progress has been made, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that Assamese remains a living language, spoken with pride and fluency by all. The responsibility for this lies not only with the government but also with the people of Assam. Parents must play an active role in teaching their children the importance of speaking Assamese, both at home and in the community. It is essential that Assamese becomes a language of everyday conversation, not just a subject taught in school.
In addition to language, the Assamese people face challenges in the realms of education, employment, and social mobility. The state has long struggled with a lack of quality infrastructure in schools and universities, and this has led to a situation where many parents send their children to private schools, often in other parts of India, in the hope of providing them with better opportunities. The result is a brain drain, where the most talented and ambitious young people leave the state in search of work and better prospects. This further weakens the Assamese identity, as those who leave often become disconnected from the state’s culture and issues. They may be highly educated and skilled, but they no longer contribute to the growth and development of Assam.
On the economic front, Assam has immense potential, with its rich natural resources, fertile land, and growing industries. However, the state remains one of the poorest in India, struggling with high unemployment rates and a lack of infrastructure. The reliance on non-Assamese traders and workers for many basic services, from construction to retail, reflects a deeper problem: a lack of self-reliance and initiative among the Assamese youth. There is a general reluctance to take up agricultural work or start small businesses. Many young people prefer to waste time in idle pursuits rather than engage in meaningful work that can contribute to the state’s development.
The situation is further compounded by political instability and the failure of successive governments to address the concerns of the Assamese people. Corruption, inefficiency, and the neglect of basic infrastructure have left many of Assam’s problems unresolved. The government have often been distracted by political games and power struggles, while the everyday issues of the people, such as employment, education, and health, have been sidelined. In such a scenario, it is easy for individuals to lose faith in the system and become disengaged from the process of nation-building.
Yet, despite these challenges, there is hope. The Assamese people have always been resilient. Throughout history, they have faced adversities, from floods and natural disasters to political and social upheavals, and have emerged stronger each time. The language movement of the 1970s, the contributions of leaders like Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Lakshminath Bezbarua, and the enduring spirit of Bihu are testaments to the strength and unity of the Assamese people. However, the challenges of the present day require a new kind of commitment—a commitment to self-reliance, to cultural pride, and to the preservation of the Assamese identity.
For Assam to thrive in the future, the people must come together with a shared vision. The younger generation must be taught to value their heritage, their language, and their culture. They must be made to understand that progress does not mean abandoning their roots but building on them. It is crucial to foster a sense of pride in being Assamese, a pride that transcends language and extends to all aspects of life, from the fields to the markets and from the classrooms to the workplaces.
The Assamese youth must be encouraged to pursue careers in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other local industries to build a future that is self-sustaining and rooted in the state’s unique strengths. Only then can Assam break free from the cycle of dependence on outsiders and create its own path to prosperity. Similarly, the state must invest in education, not just in terms of English language proficiency but in the teaching of Assamese language and literature, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the tools to understand and preserve their cultural heritage.
In conclusion, Assam stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made today will determine the future of the Assamese identity and the prosperity of the state. It is up to every individual, every family, and every community to play their part in this journey. By taking pride in our language, our culture, and our heritage, we can ensure that Assam remains a beacon of strength, unity, and cultural richness in the years to come.