DIGBOI, Oct 31 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday said sports, education and culture are the essence of a healthy society which also determine the overall development of a personality leading to peace, progress and happiness. Addressing the open session on the third day of the biennial conference of the All Moran Students� Union (AMSU) at Digboi on Saturday afternoon, Sonowal spoke on diverse culture, identity, traditions and literature in Assam, and said that sports, education and culture will also help build a greater Assamese culture.
Accompanied by MPs, MLAs, representatives of the AMSU, Sonowal paid tributes to the forefathers and leaders of the Moran community. �People of the Moran community have distinct identity, culture and traditions which have greatly contributed, influenced and helped build a greater Assamese society,� he said, adding that the community is known for its �bravery and hard work�. �The Moran community must march ahead in the days to come and help in building a greater Assamese society fostering fraternity, peace, integration and developments by dint of sports, education and culture,� he said.
Speaking on the success of the BJP-led government in Assam, Sonowal also took a dig at the Congress and claimed that the government has promoted the cause of the indigenous people by distributing land pattas to the landless, financially assisted around 8,000 naamghars across the state and supported the cause of preservation of culture and heritage through institutions.
�I also have Assamese blood in my veins and I shall always strive for the promotion, protection and preservation of Assamese indigenous people, their rights and identities at all cost,� said the Chief Minister.
�When the Congress failed, it was the BJP which finally recognised the status of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika and gave him his rightful due,� he claimed.
Without quoting any party, Sonowal lamented that a few vested groups were busy trying to pull him down and were always criticising the government.
Later, talking to media persons, Sonowal said that once the Moran community gets an Autonomous Council, it would be able to enjoy all the rights and privileges it was deprived of so far. The process of granting autonomous council to the Moran community was in progress.
