DERGAON, May 27 - All India Radio (AIR) has a major role to play in the socio-economic development in the society, especially in the backward areas. Despite many challenges, the AIR has been doing its level best. This was observed by ADC Golaghat Shyamal Kshetra Gogoi while delivering a speech at the inaugural ceremony of a programme organised by Dibrugarh AIR in association with Khumtai Balya Bikash Kendra at the Khumtai Tea Estate, near Dergaon town yesterday. The programme, which was organised in connection with the golden jubilee year celebration of the station, saw participation from senior employees from the radio centre.
Delivering the welcome address, the Programme Head of AIR Dibrugarh, Lohit Deka revealed that the station has taken a slew of initiatives in order to increase its listeners� base in the backward areas. In this context, he also informed that around 3,000 special programmes would be broadcast throughout the year. In the first session, a symposium on �The Problems and Prospects of Sports Development in the tea garden areas� was organised with noted journalist as well as sports expert Arun Kumar Das in the chair.
Addressing a large gathering, he spoke on the contributions of the tea tribe towards football. He also urged the ABITA, Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Sports Control Board, Assam to take initiatives for development of sports in the tea garden areas. Taking part as a resource person, journalist Sanjoy Kumar Hazarika highlighted the different aspects of traditional sports among tea tribes. He appealed to the ABITA, ACMS etc., for their involvement in developing sports in the tea gardens.
In the symposium, Golaghat District Sports Officer Rilip Ronghang, secretary of the Golaghat District Sports Association Sanjib Handiqui and physical instructor of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Santanu Hazarika also delivered their speeches on the importance of coaching, physical education for the development of sports in the tea gardens. In the programme, a song was presented by a group of students. The programme was also attended by noted poet Makhanlal Barhoi, Padumi Gajloo, Bisweswar Boraik, Sasadhar Bhuyan, Junu Deka, Krishna Barhoi, Soneswar Barhoi etc. In the second half, a poets� meet and different cultural activities were also held.
