GUWAHATI, Aug 27 - Terming the skirmish that took place at Nagaon recently as unfortunate, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today expressed dissatisfaction over the attempt of a section of the people to add communal colour to it and called on all communities of the State to maintain peace and harmony.
Sonowal reiterated that harmony and unity are the strengths of the greater Assamese society that has assimilated people from different faiths, beliefs and linguistic groups over the years. He also said that progress and development can never be achieved without unity among all sections of the society.
�I am deeply saddened by the recent untoward incident... I appeal to the people of the State to maintain peace and harmony... We must stay united and thwart all evil designs of divisive forces,� he said.
Referring to Swargadeo Chaolung Siukapha and his policy of assimilation, the Chief Minister said that the �bedrocks of our culture and civilization� are unity and harmony. Sankaradeva further amplified the synergy of the Assamese society as he welcomed people of all castes and creeds to accept the faith of ek saran naam dharma that eventually strengthened the Assamese community, he added.
Further stating the contribution of former vice chancellor of Calcutta University Ashutosh Mukherjee, who was the man behind the introduction of Assamese language in the university curriculum, Sonowal said the foundation of Assamese literary movement took root in Kolkata through setting up of the Asomiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha under the pioneering leadership of Lakshminath Bezbaroa.
�How can we forget that one of the most revered figures of Assam, Dr Bhupen Hazarika is equally a household name in Bengal. Along with Assam and Mumbai, Kolkata was one of the places where the maestro created many of his greatest compositions,� Sonowal said adding that the contributions of Hemanga Biswas to Assamese art and culture are equally significant and inspiring for the Assamese society.
