2019: Big plans, even bigger dreams

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Safeguarding identity of indigenous people, full stop to illegal influx across the border, ending an atmosphere of uncertainty and insecurity, ushering in peace and unity among all sections of people, creating employment, developing skills & quality education, beating poverty, preventing population explosion, prevalence of healthy politics, creation of good music and doing away with corruption — the plans are big, dreams even bigger. As one year ends and another begins, here’s how some prominent personalities from different walks of life, want 2019 to be like...

Imran Shah, former president of Axam Xahitya Xabha: The indigenous Assamese people passed through a phase of uncertainty, insecurity and fear owing to various reasons in 2018. I sincerely hope and pray that such phase will come to an end in 2019. The people of Assam will live in peace and tranquility. Let not any force on this earth disturbs the peace of mind of Assamese people and they live in dignity with their unique identity and culture.

Taren Boro, president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha: I want 2019 to be free from insurgency. It is extremism which has been pulling Assam back over the years. This problem has to be solved for the development of the State. We need to rehabilitate the misguided youths so as to check the erosion in society. I hope the government will lay stress on value education, and to make this really happen the government should fill up all vacant posts of teachers so that all can get education in their own tongues. In order to ensure development, all government schemes and projects have to be implemented without any corruption. As BSS president I would like to reassure that the BSS would work and express its views for the interest of the greater Assamese society.

Mridul Hazarika, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University: I want to see 2019 as a year that will make each and every individual living in Assam to contribute towards making the State a better place to live in. As an academician I want to see the development of a balanced education system with knowledge and skill as two major components.

Phanindra Kumar Dev Choudhury, Noted litterateur: Assam is plagued by myriad problems and so it will be unrealistic to wish or want that the New Year will solve all problems. But what I want or wish that those associated or in a position to solve the problems must not create a restless atmosphere while doing their jobs. The people must not suffer while solving problems. A balanced, calm and holistic approach must be adopted to solve problems. Assam was successful in solving many problems in the past year and I sincerely hope that 2019 will also bring solutions to many problems.

Promod Boro, president of All Bodo Students’ Union: 2019 is going to be a crucial year for solutions to the burning problems of Assam. Either we have not been able to make the Centre understand our problem or the Centre is not trying to understand. We need to bridge the communication gap. We have to solve the problems diplomatically or through talks. We want solutions to our issues within the parameter of the Constitution of India.

Tarali Sarma, prominent singer: Being an artist I want the creation of good music in 2019. Let it be a peaceful year socially and culturally in Assam. I hope that many things that the people are aspiring will turn into realities in 2019.

Dr Illias Ali, eminent surgeon and population expert: Being closely associated with Assam’s population policy I want a halt to a population explosion in the State in 2019. All attempts to disintegrate the greater Assamese society must be defeated in the New Year. I also want the prevalence of decent and healthy politics.

Bijoy Kalita, a student of Cotton University: I want an economically stable and strong Assam in 2019 as it will decide the future of the State. Besides the creation of ample employment opportunities, let 2019 see doing away with corruption from bottom and top at government offices. We had not seen much healthy politics in 2018 and I hope that 2019 will be an exception.

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