Let's welcome 2021 with hopes, aspirations & determination

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: As 2020 becomes a part of history, the world welcomes 2021. After a year of trials, tragedies and tears the people of Assam are looking forward to 2021 withlots of hope, optimism and aspirations. Here are views from a cross section of the society.

Burha Xattriya of Barpeta Xattra Basistha Deva Sarma: During my 83 summers, I never came across such a disastrous year as 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to cut short many programmes of our xatra; this never happened before. All health protocols are being stringently followed within the xatra premises.

We pray that the New Year will usher a new horizons of hopes, aspirations and achievements. Let 2021 be a year of happiness and fulfillment for all.

We hope that the Assam government will continue to extend help to the xatras and naamghars. The State government's aid of Rs 2.50 lakh to each of 8,000 naamghars was a laudable initiative.

Axam Xahitya Xabha president Kuladhar Saikia: It was a horrific scene for the cities and towns in 2020. Uncovered face has all along been the most appreciated one. However, the outbreak made us to mask our beautiful faces. It's science that has regenerated hopes among the mankind with wonderful inventions and discoveries of vaccines.

During the lockdown, the serpentine traffic disappeared all of sudden. However, with courage, the humanity took the challenge and decided to move to 2021. With conviction and determination, we are moving ahead with rest of the global communities. I wish all a happy and prosperous New Year.

Boro Sahitya Sabha president Taren Boro: The society suffered a lot economically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I appeal to all to take forward the society on the road of communal harmony and progress in all aspects. A concerted effort from each member of the society will go a long way in achieving these objectives.

Arjuna awardee and ace boxer Lovlina Borgohain:The Sports sector suffered a lot due to the pandemic. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics had to be postponed. I was selected to represent India in the 69 kg welterweight category.I'm looking forward to the Olympics there slated from July 23 to August 3, 2021. I'll leave the State on January 2 for the training in Bangalore. I am determined to deliver superior performances in 2021. I hope that all will have their hopes and aspirations fulfilled in the next year. I pray for peace and the all-round development of Assam and India along with the world.

National award winner and prominent artiste Tarali Sarma:The entertainment industry is one of the worst sufferers in the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The popular Rongali Bihu functions had to be cancelled. As a result, the artistes and their team members were severely hit, financially. Same is the case with the mobile theatre industry and also the Assamese film sector. Let's pray that there will never be such a disastrous year like 2020. It's my ardent wish that the entertainment industry will again see the good old days in 2021. I take this opportunity to announce that my music album 'Deuka' — with five Axomiya numbers – will be released next year. Besides, two films — where I have rendered my songs — will also be released in 2021. One is in the Rabha medium.

A student of communication & journalism in Gauhati University, Bishakha Bhardwaj: Owing to the pandemic all students suffered in 2020. However in 2021, we hope to stay more focused and pursue our targets in a systematic manner. Of course there is another positive angle to the lockdown: The students realized that they can live with the minimum of amenities and yet perform a great deal of productive work. Hope the problem of unemployment will be tackled to a large extent in the next year with the Education sector all set to witness a positive change. We must begin the next year with a positive outlook towards life.

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