Tezpur varsity hosts lecture on Assam, NE neighbors

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR, Mar 1: As part of its distinguished lecture series, Tezpur University in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Exterl Affairs organised a lecture by former Indian High Commissioner to UK Dr Jaimini Bhagwati at the Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha Auditorium of the university recently.

In his speech titled ‘Assam and its Neighbours’, Dr Bhagwati beautifully articulated the comparative status of different socio-demographic indicators of Assam vis-à-vis its neighbouring Indian states and foreign countries. Citing the example of not yet completed Bogibeel Bridge project over river Brahmaputra for the last 14 years, Dr Bhagwati lamented the pathetic pace at which development projects in Assam have been moving forward. He emphasised on opening river routes on the river Brahmaputra for improving riverine infrastructure.

The noted economist and veteran diplomat also alyzed how Assam lags behind Bangladesh in different socio-demographic indicators. Dr Bhagwati suggested that one primary reason behind the favourable social sector indicators of Bangladesh is their investment in education of the girl child. He went on to emphasize that when the womenfolk are educated, it has a positive cascading effect on different socio-demographic indicators.

Dr Bhagwati also shared with the audience his experience of working in the Indian Foreign Service and dealing with different tions in various High Commissions, Embassies and the South Block of Lutyen’s Delhi. He encouraged the young students to join the Foreign Service as well as other all India services like IAS and IPS. He also asserted the need for learning through one’s mother tongue.

Later, Dr Bhagwati interacted with the audience and responded to their various queries ranging from issues like ‘String of Pearls’ to revival of the Silk Route.