Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

25 Nov

Assam Christian Forums Expresses Serious Concern About the Fee Regulation Bill, Fearing the Erosion of Missionary Education Legacy and Minority Rights

Sonakshi SarkarAssam, Education

The Assam Christian Forums (ACF), representing Christian communities and their rights across the state, today expressed profound alarm at the Assam Cabinet's approval of the Assam Private Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Amendment Bill, 2025. This proposed law, set for tabling in the Assembly on November 25, would strip away long-standing protections for minority-run schools, by allowing unchecked government control over their fee structures.In simple terms, the Bill ends the previous hands-off approach for minority schools and hands the state sweeping powers to fix fees, monitor collections, and intervene at will. For Christian missionary institutions – which have been pillars…

25 Nov

Bus-Ambulance Collision Leaves 3 Dead In Assam’s Tinsukhia District

Sonakshi SarkarACCIDENT

At least three persons lost their lives when a night super bus collided head-on with an ambulance at Makum in Upper Assam’s Tinsukia district early morning on Tuesday. The deceased, who died on the spot, are reported to be occupants of the ambulance. Sources said the collision occurred in the Sukanpukhuri area with the ambulance completely mangled owing to the severe impact of the crash. Several others who sustained injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention. Officials said the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. According to preliminary information, the ambulance was ferrying…

25 Nov

Communication on solar street lights meant for HEC mitigation

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak with support under the CSR initiative of LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL), has installed 10 solar street lights across several villages-Rangapani, Kukurbhukia, Paharpur, No. 1 Sikaridanga, No. 2 Sikaridanga, Angrajuli, Jamuguri, and Kuchubil—located under the Udalguri and Mazbat blocks of Udalguri district of Assam. These villages fall within areas that are highly vulnerable to Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC), where frequent elephant movements during night hours pose serious risks to the safety, livelihood and well-being of local communities. The installation of solar street lights is aimed at improving night-time visibility in strategic locations such as village…

25 Nov

Three-year defense supply contracts should be restored, according to DACS; a delegation from Sikkim talks with senior officials in New Delhi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a significant effort to strengthen Sikkim’s cooperative sector and secure long-term stability for the state’s farming community, a high-level delegation from the Denzong Agricultural Co-operative Society (DACS) held a series of important meetings in New Delhi on Monday. The team was led by Satish Chandra Rai, MLA-cum-Chairman of DACS, and Dhiraj Pradhan, Managing Director of the Society. The discussions began with a meeting with Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Defence Secretary, Government of India, and senior Army officers. The delegation strongly appealed for the restoration of the earlier system under which DACS received three-year contract sanctions for supplying essential items…

25 Nov

1,300 “Lachits” recreate the legacy of Lachit Borphukan by marching alongside Hengdang in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a powerful public display of Assamese pride and historical remembrance, a massive procession of 1,300 participants—each symbolically representing legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan—marched along the Sootea–Jamugurihat stretch on Monday. Carrying traditional hengdang (Ahom-era swords), the participants walked more than 10 kilometres, turning the entire route into a vibrant celebration of courage, culture, and collective memory. The march, organised on the occasion of Lachit Divas, drew widespread attention from locals who lined up along the highway to witness the spectacle. The event was coordinated by Kanyaka Bohumukhi Krishi Pam, which now aims to enter the feat into the Assam Book…

25 Nov

Animated documentary on La-chit Barphukan released

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

The animated documentary 'Lachit – The Warrior', celebrating Assam's legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, was released on Monday by Pi Media across social media platforms, coinciding with Lachit Divas. Directed by senior IPS officer Parthasarathi Mahanta, the film highlights Assamese courage, discipline, and patriotism epitomized by Barphukan. The documentary has already been featured in 50 international film festivals, including the prestigious International Film Festival of India, New York Lift-Off Film Festival, and Cannes – Marché du Film. It has won a total of 19 best documentary awards and several other accolades globally. By showcasing Barphukan’s heroism, particularly in the historic…

24 Nov

Rhino & River Opens Doors to Boutique Luxury at Pobitora near Mayang, Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam, Business

a boutique wildlife retreat, has been officially unveiled in the verdant plains of Mayang, just minutes from the famed Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by sweeping farmlands and the Brahmaputra River, the property offers travellers an immersive experience that blends wildlife, culture, and modern hospitality.The retreat features loghut-style rooms designed to harmonize rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Guests can choose from Tea Garden Rooms or Safari Rooms, all with private balconies and curated amenities. At the heart of the property are experiences that celebrate Assam’s natural and cultural wealth, from jeep and elephant safaris in Pobitora, birding trails with naturalists, visit…

24 Nov

Sevok–Rangpo rail project hits 85% mark, NF railway says work moving at ‘Excellent Pace’

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The ambitious Sevok–Rangpo railway line, a long-awaited project that will bring Sikkim onto India’s railway map for the first time, has achieved 85 percent completion, according to Shri Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway. Speaking on Akashvani News Gangtok, he shared a detailed status report on the progress, challenges, and future outlook of the strategic line. Sharma said the project continues to move forward at an “excellent pace” despite demanding terrain, fragile geological conditions, and recurring environmental hurdles. The 45-km-long line is among India’s most complex railway constructions, with 86 percent of the alignment…

24 Nov

The 2025 Bhutan–India Friendship Football Tournament gets underway in Samdrup Jongkhar

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Bhutan–India Friendship Football Tournament 2025 began with vibrant energy and a strong sense of camaraderie on Saturday evening at the Samdrup Jongkhar Public Ground in eastern Bhutan. The annual sporting event, hosted by the Bhutan–India Friendship Association (BIFA), once again highlighted the deep and enduring bond shared between the two neighbouring countries. The tournament was formally inaugurated by the District Commissioner of Samdrup Jongkhar, who welcomed players and spectators to what he described as “a celebration of friendship and sportsmanship.” The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent officials, including Tamulpur Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty, Senior Superintendent of Police…

24 Nov

Decks cleared for Azim Premji University in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

The Assam Cabinet has approved the establishment of Azim Premji University, Assam.The campus is likely to come up at Palashbari in Kamrup district near Guwahati.The state Cabinet has decided to table the Azim Premji University Bill, 2025, in the next Assembly session to facilitate the creation of the university, which is expected to become a major philanthropic, not-for-profit higher education institution in the state.The first Azim Premji University was set up in Bengaluru in 2010 and today operates from a 110-acre campus. The second one, i.e., Azim Premji University, Bhopal, started in 2023 in a 50-acre campus. The work on the third campus in Ranchi has…