GUWAHATI, June 13 - Governor of Assam, JB Patnaik on Sunday stressed the importance of education in building the foundation of material and spiritual advancement of the society and observed that the North East which was going through a conflict situation could address its problem through imbibing true education.
Patnaik stressed the need of imparting quality education to the students of the State so that they do not have to go outside the State to pursue higher education and said that quality education should be the topmost priority of the government.
In his brief speech, Patnaik also referred to the Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva and said that the teachings of the saint will be relevant for every generation of Assam. He added that by following the teachings of the saint, the people of the State can usher spiritual progress.
Patnaik was speaking at the ERDF Awards of Excellence presentation function held in the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre here.
Patnaik presented the award to eight individuals of the State who have made outstanding contribution to different fields of activities bringing a positive change in the society.
The awards were presented to PJ Baruah, executive editor of The Assam Tribune, Naba Thakuria, general secretary of the Guwahati Press Club, Inam Uddin Ahmed, renowned social worker, Dr Sangeeta Datta, consultant psychiatrist, Prof Abu Nasar S Ahmed of IITG, Dr MLA Rahman, director of Rahman clinic, Dr AC Kataki, director of B Barooah Cancer Institute, and Dr Dinesh Baishya, principal of B Barooah College.
It needs to be mentioned here that all the award winners have made a mark in the society with their dedication and commitment towards their work. Accepting the award, the winners called upon the students to work hard and focus on their goal. They also advised the students to imbibe values like respect for their teachers.
The function was attended by a host of dignitaries and students and faculty of the educational institutions under ERDF.