GUWAHATI, Jan 4 � Ramesh Chandra Barpatra Gohain, Dean, Dept of Law, Gauhati University, today stressed the need for sustainable use of the North-east�s resources for the benefit of its people, saying that the development process needed to be in sync with the environmental concerns for real progress.
Gohain, who formally released a book titled Asom: Natun Prajanmar Anubhutibor written by senior journalist Dilip Mahanta at the Gauhati Commerce College auditorium, said that the State�s problems were getting aggravated from the growing divisiveness in the once-composite Assamese society and the Centre�s tendency to exploit the region�s natural resources.
�I feel that the Centre will remain interested in Assam till its natural resources last. It is difficult to foretell what will happen to the State once its resources are exhausted,� he said.
Predicting a bright future for books in an increasingly technology-driven society, Gohain also said that any prophecy spelling doom for books was utterly misplaced and that books would continue to be a favourite with humans and a driving force behind civilizations.
Writer Mahanta expressed concern over the �undesirable� changes creeping into society due to unbridled industrialisation and mindboggling technological innovations. �Too much dependence on machines and gadgets is adversely affecting human behaviour and thinking process besides causing harm to the natural environment,� he added.
He also emphasized harnessing locally available resources for triggering growth in the State�s economy. He said with some efforts it would be possible to develop sectors such as fishery, agro-based and livestock-based activities, tourism, etc., which in turn could ensure a turnaround of the economy. Prabin Choudhury presided over the function. The book contains articles on Assam�s socio-economic and political issues.
