From Our Correspondent
Silchar, Nov 20: The concluding ceremony of the biggest festival ever held in the post independent Barak Valley, mami Barak, was graced by the presence of Ram th Kovind, the President of India on Monday at Police Parade Ground, Silchar. The 3 day programme which comprised various cultural programmes, concerts and competitive items, was dedicated to Rabindrath Tagore, Kazi zrul Islam and Bhupen Hazarika. Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal along with a galaxy of distinguished guests, leaders and high level officials attended the concluding ceremony of the gala event.
Sarbanda Sonowal assured that efforts are being made to give Assam a complete makeover. In his almost identical speeches at all the venues of Hailakandi, Karimganj and Cachar Sarbanda Sonowal spoke at length about the possibilities and potentialities of development in order to obliterate the tag of backwardness of the area. “I am sure that people have enjoyed the festival to the fullest. Today is a great day for all of us. Through mami Brahmaputra and mami Barak, we focused on the potentialities and possibilities of the state of Assam. We should work together so that no one can stop us from achieving our goals,” Sonowal added to say.
“We will work hard for making Assam as one of the best states in the country. I will make sure that Assam develops in all aspects. We have been blessed that the President of India has come here today”, said Sarbanda Sonowal. In his iugural speech Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Fince, Planning and Development, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Government of India, said, “All civilizations like Egyptian, Indus Valley and Chinese, have flourished on the banks of river. River plays a pivotal role in civilization since it encourages agriculture and all other related farming activities. River valleys offer abundance of resources and thus it is revered and respected.”
“Paying respect to our river system remains the core principle of our civilization. It also sustains our culture and tradition. Barak River represents the northeast India. Barak River is the lifeline and cultural foundation of the people of Barak Valley. The President’s visit to Silchar signifies how the Government of India and the Government of Assam accord importance to this Valley. Government of Assam will construct one more medical college in Karimganj district and second dental college of Assam in Silchar,” said Dr Sarma.
Union Minister Babul Supriyo, Minister of state, heavy industries and public enterprises, assured that Cachar Paper Mill is soon going to be resuscitated. Prof Jagdish Mukhi, Governor of Assam, spoke at length about mami Barak. He said that it is a festival to showcase the culture and tradition, potentialities and possibilities of this Valley. Jagdish Mukhi released a coffee table book on mami Barak and its first copy was given to the President of India.
Among other dignitaries present on the august occasion included State Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly, MLA Dilip Kumar Paul, Kabindra Purkayastha, former Union Minister, Atul Bora, State Minister of Agriculture, Hagrama Mohilary, Chief Executive Member, BTC, MP Radheshyam Biswas, PWD Minister Parimal Suklabaidya and Keshab Mahanta, Minister, Science and Technology; Water Resources, Government of Assam.