Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the 9th Assam State Film Awards ceremony held at the Sri Sri Damodardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati on Sunday. Congratulating the award winners, the Governor described the ceremony as a living symbol of Assam’s artistic consciousness, creative spirit, and vibrant cultural celebration. He said that the land of Assam, known for its natural beauty and rich traditions, has always preserved its identity through language, folk arts, and storytelling, and that cinema has given new dimensions to these traditions by taking them to wider audiences. Recalling the glorious journey of Assamese cinema, the Governor paid tribute to Rupkonwor Jyoti prasad Agarwala, whose historic film Joymati marked the beginning of Assamese cinema. “Despite limited resources, the film laid a strong foundation for the industry and reflected themes of sacrifice, history, and women’s empowerment,” Acharya said.
He also remembered Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika whose music carried messages of humanity, harmony, and national unity, bringing global recognition to Assamese culture. The Governor further acknowledged the immense contribution of the late Zubeen Garg in energizing contemporary Assamese music and cinema and connecting the younger generation with their cultural roots. Highlighting the role of the Central Government, Acharya noted that initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India have opened new avenues for the creative industries, benefiting regional cinema including that of Assam.
Describing cinema as a mirror of society, the Governor said films inspire thought, promote social awareness, and drive positive change by addressing issues such as social justice, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection. He expressed happiness that despite limited resources, the Assamese film industry has achieved notable success at national and international platforms, especially in the digital era. Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to strengthening film infrastructure and nurturing young talent, the Governor emphasized the vision of making Assam a vibrant film hub of the Northeast.