Our Correspondent
BONGAIGAON: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the great civilizations in the world had grown on the banks of rivers and Assam was blessed to have been located on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra and Barak. This locational advantage of the State has been enriched by 121 tributaries of the Brahmaputra and 16 of Barak.
Speaking on the third day of the third edition of Dwijing Festival at Aie River Park in Chirang district on Saturday, Chief Minister Sonowal said that Brahmaputra and Barak werethe lifelines of the people of Assam and the development of the State had been catapulted by these rivers along with their tributaries. He said that realizing this, the Government of Assam organized Namami Brahmaputra and Namami Barak to use water resources to aid the development of the State. The ongoing Dwijing Festival on the bank of the River Aie was yet another testimony of the State’s dependence on the river, he added. Sonowal at the same time thanked the people of all sections to have cooperated for holding Dwijing Festival third time in a row.
Chief Minister Sonowal also said that successful celebration of these festivals amply testify that good governance was prevailing in the State. He also expressed his hope that Dwijing Festival would help in the growth of the economy of the State with the direct ramification of developing livelihood of the people along with their living standard. He also said that spontaneous participation of the people belonging to different caste, creed, class and culture in this festival showcased the peaceful coexistence of people in the State. He also said that festivals like this would further help in strengthening this harmonious relation and help the State to march forward.
BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, while speaking on the occasion, said through Dwijing Festival the organizer aimed at showcasing the age-old harmonious coexistence in BTAD areas. He said the BTC administration was trying to transform this festival into a major tourist attraction and was working to celebrate the festival in line with Hornbill Festival. He also said that efforts had been made through this festival to showcase indigenous culture to the world.
The 12-day festival which started on December 27, will continue up to January 7 and will feature traditional sporting events along some adventure aquatic events, cultural extravaganza, camel riding and helicopter riding. State Tourism Minister Chandan Brahma, Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimari, MLA Prasanta Phukan, BTC deputy chief Khampa Borgoyari, ATDC chairman Jayanta Malla Baruah and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.