JANASANYOG, CHIEF MINISTER’S PUBLIC RELATIONS CELL, DISPUR

PRESS RELEASE ------No. 9/2020

CM attends biennial conference of ARSU and ARWC at Dudhnoi

Rabha people have the strength to guide the Assamese society: CM

Dispur, January 11: “The are very disciplined. Any community that is disciplined can guide the society with their advanced thinking. The Rabhas have that strength and they can guide the Assamese society in its transformative journey”, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said this while taking part as chief guest at the open session of the 17th biennial conference of All Rabha Students’ Union and 10th biennial conference of All Rabha Women Council held at Dudhnoi in today.

Chief Minister Sonowal said that legendary artist Bishnu Rabha gave a distinct identity to the Assamese community globally. He made this possible with his skill, ability, hard work and high ideals. His vision encourages us and the Assam government following his footsteps is putting its best efforts to ensure all round and inclusive development of all communities in the state, Chief Minister Sonowal said.

Stating that the Rabhas have a strong cultural legacy, the Chief Minister said that artist Sukracharjya Rabha drew attention of the world community through his ‘Under the Saal Tree’ endeavour. He also observed that noted social worker Birubala Rabha with her untiring fight against superstition arouses hope in society and leads it towards scientific thinking. She also teaches us to live in society keeping human compassion and values alive, Chief Minister Sonowal added.

Chief Minister Sonowal informed that after forming government in the state, his government organised a programme called ‘Sahodar’ which provided a platform for nearly 70 big and small communities to come together under one platform and share their thoughts and culture. The congregation of these communities was a manifestation of the government’s commitment towards safeguarding the rights, privileges and interests of the indigenous communities, which it has been pursuing steadfast during all these years. The Chief Minister said that the Assam government has recently adopted a land policy and will soon bring out a new legislation on land rights with a view to protect the interest and rights of the indigenous communities over land. He also assured that the indigenous people are not needed to be worried as his government is duty bound to secure their interests.

Appreciating the development initiatives of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council under the leadership of CEM Tankeswar Rabha, Chief Minister Sonowal informed that his government is taking up necessary steps to provide the council constitutional safeguard. Chief Minister also highlighted the initiatives taken up by his government to protect and uphold the languages and literature of the indigenous communities. He informed that as

------Website: cm.assam.gov.in/assam.mygov.in E-mail: [email protected]

JANASANYOG, ASSAM CHIEF MINISTER’S PUBLIC RELATIONS CELL, DISPUR

PRESS RELEASE ------part of this endeavour, his government has announced to provide one time financial assistance to Asom Sahitya Sabha and all t he indigenous literary bodies in the state. He further said that under ‘Bhasa Gaurav Achoni’ his government has unleashed efforts to promote and preserve the traditional language and literature.

Underlining the geographic beauty and advantage of Goalpara district, Chief Minister Sonowal said that today banana form Darrangagiri in Goalpara district have been able to capture world market. Similarly black rice produced in the district have been regularly exported to foreign countries. He also mentioned that farmers in the state have been able to produce agricultural products which have fetched them remunerative prices in world market. Chief Minister Sonowal also informed that the state government has already decided to set up an extension centre of Assam Agricultural University at Goalpara besides several other development initiatives.

Urging the students to indulge in serious study, Chief Minister Sonowal said that education brings knowledge and knowledge is power. He also called upon parents and teachers to inspire and motivate students to take up study seriously and contribute in nation building.

Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, CEM of RHAC Tankeswar Rabha and President of All Rabha Students Union Ramen Singh Rabha also delivered speech in the meeting. The open session was inaugurated by advisor of ARSU Romeo Lokobok.

While ARSU president Ramen Singh Rabha and ARWC president Hema Rabha jointly presided over the open session, it was also attended by MP Queen Oja, Dudhnoi MLA Dipak Rabha, General Secretary of All Rabha Sahitya Sabha Rajkumar Rabha, Chairman of RHAC Charumohan Rabha, Deputy Commissioner of Goalpara Varnali Deka among others.

BG/ December 11, 2020.

------Website: cm.assam.gov.in/assam.mygov.in E-mail: [email protected]