Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma marked the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Dibrugarh on January 26, becoming the first sitting Chief Minister to participate in the event in the historic town.
Unfurling the Tricolour, the Chief Minister hailed the occasion as a “fine testament to the atmosphere of peace and progress in Assam,” underscoring the state’s transformative journey.
In a symbolic gesture, CM Sarma began the day in an eco-friendly manner, planting 20 saplings at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat premises and reviewing the condition of saplings planted earlier.
He also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Thana Chariali, reflecting on the Father of the Nation’s values of unity and harmony.
During his address, the Chief Minister outlined several initiatives aimed at propelling Assam toward progress:
• Chess in Schools: A new addition to the school curriculum to foster cognitive development among children.
• Department of Startups: A dedicated department to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation across the state.
• State Transformation: A vision to transition Assam “from a dependent state to a contributory one.”
He emphasized the inspirational legacy of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, highlighting his fight for equality and dignity for the oppressed.
The Chief Minister also discussed the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, focusing on infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, and electronics as key sectors for development.
Underlining the state’s progress, CM Sarma praised the recognition of Assamese as a classical language and Charaideo Moidam’s addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
He noted the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating, “Once defined by gunshots at night, today, Assam is a symbol of tranquility.”
Highlighting industrial advancements, Sarma announced a Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor facility being set up by the Tata Group in Jagiroad, which is expected to create 27,000 jobs and establish Assam as a global hub for chip production.
He also lauded the success of the ‘Year of Reading’ initiative, which has fostered intellectual curiosity and knowledge growth across sectors.
The celebrations in Dibrugarh were a poignant reflection of Assam’s strides toward progress, with the Chief Minister’s address resonating as a vision for a brighter future.
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