Assam - The Purbottar

16 Jan

Guwahati Youth Duo Win FIDE Social Award for Chess Outreach Initiative

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Two young chess players from Guwahati, Vihaan Upadhyay (15) and Viraj Upadhyay (13), have received the Outstanding FIDE Social Award for their significant contributions to promoting social inclusion, education, and emotional well-being among underprivileged children through chess. This accolade was conferred during the FIDE Global Conference on Chess in Society and Education, held at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Their grassroots initiative, “Pawns to Kings,” aims to make chess accessible to children in underserved and marginalized communities. Both siblings are established chess players, with FIDE ratings of 2101 for Vihaan and 1983 for Viraj. Through their initiative, they have successfully…

16 Jan

GI Mahotsav Highlights Assam’s Rich Traditional Crafts, Women and Youth as Driving Forces

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on January 15 said that Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products play a key role in protecting India’s traditional heritage while also helping artisans and farmers earn a better and more dignified living. Speaking at the inauguration of the four-day GI Mahotsav: Promoting India’s Heritage through GI Products, the Governor said GI products are not just goods for sale, but living symbols of folk art, traditional skills and age-old knowledge passed down through generations. He said such products also follow environmentally sustainable practices and therefore deserve greater attention and protection. The Governor stressed that linking GI-tagged products…

16 Jan

Youth as Growth Engine: Assam Aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam has the potential to leverage its youthful demographic to spearhead industrialization and create employment opportunities, as emphasized during the webinar titled “Assam’s Youth and Viksit Bharat 2047: Pathways to Industrialization, Employment and Entrepreneurship.” This event was organized by ACTION NGO and the Forum for Indian Journalists on Education, Environment, Health & Agriculture (FIJEEHA) in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell of Gauhati University and supported by Cairn Oil & Gas. With over one-third of its population aged between 15 and 34, Assam's demographic dividend represents a vital asset that can be transformed into sustained economic growth. The…

16 Jan

PM to Visit Assam on January 17–18

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on January 17 and 18. At around 6 pm on January 17, the Prime Minister will participate in “Bagurumba Dwhou 2026”, a historic cultural event celebrating the rich heritage of the Bodo community at Sarusajai stadium, Guwahati. On this occasion, more than 10,000 artistes from the Bodo community will perform Bagurumba dance in a single, synchronised presentation. Artists from 81 Legislative Assembly Constituencies from across 23 districts of the state will take part in the event Bagurumba is one of the folk dances of the Bodo community, deeply inspired by nature. The dance…

16 Jan

Despite Supreme Court ban, buffalo fights were held in Assam’s Morigaon during Magh Bihu

Banasree SarkarAssam

Despite a Supreme Court ban on animal duels, traditional buffalo fights, known locally as Moh juj, were held on January 15 as part of Magh Bihu celebrations in sections of the Morigaon district in central Assam. According to local media accounts, the events in Baidyabori and Ahatguri attracted sizable crowds of locals. However, officials refused to comment, claiming that the matter is still pending. More than forty pairs of buffaloes were brought to Baidyabori by their owners, and some fights were said to have lasted longer than twenty minutes. 33 pairs of buffaloes competed in Ahatguri, one of the most…

16 Jan

Guwahati Schools Resume Normal Timings as Weather Improves

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Schools in Assam’s Kamrup (Metro) district, including those in Guwahati city, have resumed their regular schedules as of Friday due to an improvement in weather conditions. Previously, the district administration had implemented a revision of school hours, delaying the commencement of classes by one hour in both government and private schools starting from January 6, which was a response to the ongoing cold weather. The recent directive from the District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO) marks the official restoration of standard school timings for all educational institutions within the Kamrup (Metro) district effective from Friday.

16 Jan

Magh Bihu Celebrations in Morigaon See Buffalo Fights in Defiance of SC Order

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

As part of the Magh Bihu celebrations, traditional buffalo fights, known locally as "Moh juj," were staged in some parts of the Morigaon district in central Assam, despite a Supreme Court ban on animal duels.According to reports in the local media, locals took part in the celebrations, which were held at Baidyabori and Ahatguri. District officials declined to comment, stating that the case is pending.Owners of around forty pairs of buffaloes took them to Baidyabori, where some fights reportedly lasted more than twenty minutes. At Ahatguri, thirty-three buffalo couples fought in fight, attracting large crowds of spectators to see the…

15 Jan

ASSAM GOVERNOR BATS FOR PROMOTION OF NATION’S GI HERITAGE

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the GI Mahotsav, titled, “Promoting India’s Heritage through GI Products”, at the Arya Vidyapeeth College Ground in Guwahati on Thursday.The GI Mahotsav is an initiative of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) with the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME).Speaking on the occasion, Governor Acharya expressed happiness for being able to be a part in the GI Festival, which celebrates India’s rich heritage through its distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) products.He said the Mahotsav is a tribute to 'Vocal for local'…

15 Jan

70 MW solar power project inaugurated in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today inaugurated a 70-MW solar power project at Khudigaon, Bilasipara in Dhubri district of Assam, marking a major renewable energy milestone for the state.Built by SJVN Green Energy at a cost over Rs 350 crore, the project is expected to significantly boost Assam's solar capacity towards its 2030 targets. "Assam has set a solar energy target of 3,500 MW by 2030. Today, our solar capacity has reached 680 MW and by April we will touch 750 MW, steadily advancing towards a sustainable, clean energy future," CM Sarma said after inaugurating the project.The project is expected to…

15 Jan

Assam: Gateway to the North-East Gets a Modern Makeover

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Over the past decade, Assam’s railway network has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a key driver of infrastructure-led growth in eastern and North-Eastern India. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways has shifted from ageing and uneven connectivity to a future-ready, integrated system. At the heart of this change is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the world’s largest railway station redevelopment programme. More than 1,300 stations across India are being modernised under the scheme, with redevelopments going beyond cosmetic upgrades to include modern passenger amenities, Divyangjan-friendly facilities, digital information systems, and architecture inspired by local heritage.…