STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: President Droupadi Murmu has expressed the belief that Assam and its people will play an important role in the development of India as a whole.
Speaking at a civic reception organized at the Administrative Staff College at Khanapara here on Thursday evening, the President observed that the pace of Assam's development is now considerable, especially in development of state-of-the-art infrastructure. She said that this has been possible due to good governance.
Referring to Assam's icons such Srimanta Sankardev, Lachit Borphukan, Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla, Gopinath Bordoloi, Bhupen Hazarika and Bishnu Rabha, Murmu said that the state is culturally rich and its cultural image is distinct from those of other states.
Assam's multiple languages and cultures are like a rainbow, she said, adding that the hospitality shown to her by the people here has touched her heart.
Those who felicitated the President on the occasion included, among others, Xatradhikar Janardan Deva Goswami, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court Justice RM Chhaya, Padmashri Dr Illias Ali and social worker Birubala Rabha.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on the occasion that the President's birthplace is Odisha and Assam's ties with that state is centuries old. In this context, Sarma mentioned the fact that Srimanta Sankardev had gone to Odisha as a pilgrim. Moreover, he said, around 150 years ago Adivasis had come to Assam from Odisha. It was also the "karmabhoomi" of Xahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaroa, the Chief Minister added.
Sarma said that President Murmu will provide inspiration for Assam's development and progress.
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