TEZPUR, Feb 29 - As part of its distinguished lecture series, Tezpur University in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India organised a lecture by former Indian High Commissioner to UK Dr Jaimini Bhagwati at the Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha Auditorium of the university recently.
The lecture was attended by Prof Mihir Kanti Chaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Prof Manabendra Bhuyan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Biren Das, Registrar, and Deans, faculty members, staff and students. Prof Pradip Jyoti Mahanta, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the designated nodal officer briefed about the distinguished lecture series and introduced Dr Bhagwati to the audience.
In his lecture titled �Assam and its Neighbours�, Dr Bhagwati beautifully articulated the comparative status of different socio-demographic indicators of Assam vis-�-vis its neighbouring Indian states and foreign countries. Citing the example of not yet completed Bogibeel Bridge project over river Brahmaputra for the last 14 years, Dr Bhagwati lamented the pathetic pace at which development projects in Assam have been moving forward. He emphasised on opening river routes on the river Brahmaputra for improving riverine infrastructure.
The noted economist and veteran diplomat also analysed how Assam lags behind Bangladesh in different socio-demographic indicators. Dr Bhagwati suggested that one primary reason behind the favourable social sector indicators of Bangladesh is their investment in education of the girl child. He went on to emphasise that when the womenfolk are educated, it has a positive cascading effect on different socio-demographic indicators.
Dr Bhagwati also shared with the audience his experience of working in the Indian Foreign Service and dealing with different nations in various High Commissions, Embassies and the South Block of Lutyen�s Delhi. He encouraged the young students to join the Foreign Service as well as other all India services like IAS and IPS. He also asserted the need for learning through one�s mother tongue.
Later, Dr Bhagwati interacted with the audience and responded to their various queries ranging from issues like �String of Pearls� to revival of the Silk Route. The distinguished lecture ended with the vote of thanks offered by Prof Chandana Goswami.
