Bohag Bihu: Echoes of Spring
With the first blush of Bohag and the songs of cuckoos echoing through the fields, Assam welcomes Bohag Bihu, the festival of new beginnings and eternal traditions.
Celebrated with great fervour as Rongali Bihu, this festival ushers in the Assamese New Year and signals the start of the agricultural season. As April arrives, so do new dreams of growth, joy, and unity, filling every home and heart with warmth. The resonant beats of the dhol, the soulful notes of the pepa, and the vibrant steps of the Bihu naas blend together, echoing through the fields and courtyards, weaving a timeless tapestry of joy and heritage across Assam’s villages and towns.
Homes are adorned with fresh flowers and gamosas, elders are respectfully bowed to with offerings of bihuwans and families come together to share the sweetness of traditional treats like pitha, laru, and other age-old delicacies. Steeped in Assam’s rich agrarian traditions, Bohag Bihu is not merely a festival but the very rhythm of life — a sacred homage to the land, nature, love, and kinship. Through the soulful tunes of Bihu geet, the spirited dances under open skies, and the warmth of shared feasts, Bohag Bihu keeps alive the timeless spirit of unity, hope, and the proud heritage that beats at the heart of Assam.
Trishna Devi
Bhattadev University, Bajali
Stooping to conquer
So, after lots of hullabaloo, the much talked about Waqf Bill got through both houses of parliament and became a law. All throughout the process, a very hot and lively debate ensued between the ruling and opposition members, which was a treat to listen to. In this regard one must quote the names of Sudhanshu Trivedi, Sambit Patra, and Amit Shah from the ruling benches and Sashi Tharoor from the opposition benches. The absence of Rahul Gandhi in this list was very much felt by us. Our own Gaurav Gogoi, who happens to be the Dy. Leader of the Opposition, delivered a speech lasting about 15 minutes opposing the bill which was devoid of facts. In Assam our Muslim brothers always offer their namaz in masjids and idgahs, not on the streets as claimed by Gogoi in his speech. His other comment that only one religious community took part in the independence struggle of the nation was totally ridiculous, which in fact exposed his lack of knowledge about the nation’s history. While saying so, he forgot about Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Veer Savarkar, Netaji Subhash Bose, Gopinath Bordoloi, Kanaklata, etc., to name a few, because of his appeasement policy. It is up to the electors of Jorhat to teach Gaurav about our rich heritage, culture and history so that he can differentiate between real history and appeasement-orientated theories (which are devoid of any facts and figures). Before parting, may I request Gaurav Gogoi to prove his loyalty to his nation as it is under a cloud? One should not stoop to conquer.
Lanu Dutt Chowdhury,
Guwahati.
Pamban Bridge: India’s Engineering Marvel
The inauguration of the Pamban Bridge on April 6, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a monumental achievement for India, blending engineering prowess with cultural significance. This 2.08-kilometre marvel, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, reconnects Rameswaram Island to the mainland, replacing the century-old British-era structure that had succumbed to corrosion and time. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, the bridge stands as a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to modern infrastructure while honouring the nation’s heritage. Spanning the Palk Strait, the new Pamban Bridge features a 72.5-metre vertical lift span, capable of rising 17 metres in just over five minutes to allow maritime traffic, a significant upgrade from the manually operated Scherzer span of its predecessor. Designed to withstand cyclones and harsh marine conditions, it incorporates stainless steel reinforcement and polysiloxane paint for durability, ensuring safe train operations at 80 km/h for the next century. This engineering feat not only enhances connectivity but will also boost tourism and trade in Tamil Nadu, a region steeped in spiritual importance due to Rameswaram’s Ramanathaswamy Temple.
The project, executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited under the Ministry of Railways, reflects India’s focus on sustainable and future-ready infrastructure. Its inauguration on Ram Navami underscores a symbolic union of tradition and technology, as highlighted by PM Modi, who praised it as a “pride of Tamil civilization” and a global engineering milestone. The bridge’s completion fulfils a long-standing demand, promising economic growth and easier access for millions of devotees and travellers. This welcome move by the Government of India showcases its vision of progress, resilience, and reverence for cultural roots. The Pamban Bridge is not just a structure; it’s a symbol of national pride, bridging the past with a vibrant future.
Chandan Kumar Nath
Sorbhog, Barpeta