Guwahati, Jan 31: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted that Assam should evolve from being a dependent state to a key contributor in the progress of India. Speaking at the “Bhogalir Ek Jipal Xondhiya” event in Delhi, which was organized to celebrate Bhogali Bihu with the Assamese community, Sarma emphasized the state’s growing role in the nation’s economic and infrastructural development.
Sarma highlighted that Assam should no longer rely on external aid but instead partner with the central government in shaping the country’s future. Reflecting on his past, he expressed that the state is now experiencing a “complete turnaround” and is well on its way to becoming a strong contributor to India’s growth.
The event saw the participation of several prominent figures, including former Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, BJP Assam president Dileep Saikia, and Cabinet minister Jayanta Malla Baruah. Attendees were welcomed with traditional Assamese gamusas, and cultural performances like Bihu, Jhumur, and Bagurumba added to the celebrations.
Sarma highlighted some of Assam’s significant achievements, such as UNESCO’s recognition of Sivasagar’s Soraideo Maidam as a world heritage site and The New York Times’ recent ranking of Assam as one of the top five destinations to visit in 2025. He also pointed out the industrial growth in the state, particularly the Tata Group’s decision to set up a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Jagiroad, which will produce 48 million chips annually.
In terms of infrastructure, Sarma noted that travel time between Guwahati and Dibrugarh would soon be reduced to just five hours due to the development of improved road and rail connectivity. He also touched upon the expansion of the Numaligarh Refinery, which is set to refine nine million metric tonnes of crude oil with an investment of Rs 6,000 crore.
Sarma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the transformative progress Assam has experienced since 2014. He proposed the creation of an Assamese cultural complex in Delhi, complete with a Namghar (prayer hall), to strengthen the Assamese diaspora’s presence in the national capital.
Sonowal, in his address, extended greetings on Bhogali Bihu and urged the community to preserve their cultural identity while contributing to the nation’s development. Several community organizations, including the Bodo Literature Society, Assam People’s Welfare Association, and Assam Association Faridabad, participated in the event.
