Xatradhikars seek separate ministry for Brahmaputra

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI, March 31: Eleven Xatradhikars of different Xatras of the state while embarking on a boat journey titled  ‘Mahabahu Samannway Nouka Yatra’ from Majuli to Guwahati have demanded for a separate Ministry for the mighty Brahmaputra like that of the river Ganges. 

They were participating in the iugural ceremony of the five-day mami Brahmaputra Festival organized by the Darrang District administration at Kuruwa along the bank of the Brahmaputra river. Xatradhikar of Uttar Kamalabari Xatra of Majuli, Jardan Deba Goswami who led the five-day long journey while speaking before the mediaperson opined that the union government is yet to accord necessary recognition to the Brahmaputra in comparison to the Ganges. 

He made an appeal before the Prime Minister through the local Parliamentarian and legislators of the BJP government to give due recognition to the Brahmaputra and form a separate Ministry for the river. 

Burha Xatradhikar of the Barpeta Xatra Basistha Deba Sarma on the other hand in his brief address, urged the government to announce a state level award in the me of the Brahmaputra to recognize leading persolities in the social reforms biennially. The octogerian Xatradhikar reciting a “Ghosha” iugurated the festival in presence of several dignitaries including MP Ramen Deka, Legislators  Binda Kr Saikia of Sipajhar, Gurujyoti Das of Mangaldai, Deputy Commissioner of Darrang Ashok Kr Barman, Superintendent of Police Sreejith Thiraviam, CEO of Darrang Zila Parishad Bhupesh Ch Das and Xatradhikars of Majuli, Barpeta, Bhogpur, Bardowa among others . 

Earlier on being landed at the Kuruwa ghat in the specially decorated boat, the team of Satradhikars was accorded a warm welcome by the administration and people of Darrang by escorting them from the boat to the dais with the presentation of traditiol Darrangi folk culture and recitals of the “am-prasanga”. 

Meanwhile, the iugural day of festival was marked by demonstration of Yoga, various cultural programme, traditiol sports, devotiol “Aarati” presentation and fire crackers display among others. Prior to the start of the celebration on Thursday  an awareness road show was conducted from Gandhi Maidan across Mangaldai by local NGO Crystal Vision where motorcyclist participated carrying the message of Swacchata , voluntary blood dotion etc.