GUWAHATI, Jan 31 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today attended the International Me-dam-me-phi programme, which was organised by the State Cultural Affairs Department at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in the city.
The important festival of the Ahom community, organised at international level for the second time in the State, was attended by delegates of various South East Asian countries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the Ahom dynasty, which ruled the State for 600 years, had unified all communities and tribes of the State that brought about a period of progress and development. Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, the first Ahom king, was a great leader and a visionary who strived for equal development of all sections of people, and today's young generation must imbibe such qualities so that rapid development of the State can be achieved, he stated.
Urging the young generation to empower themselves with knowledge to be able to contribute meaningfully to society, Sonowal said that the State government is working with dedication towards ensuring good governance at all levels and equal development of all sections of society. Unless the people imbibe the values shown by Siu-Ka-Pha to strengthen the age-old harmony and unity of the Assamese society, true respect would never be shown to the great Ahom leader, he added.
Calling on the youth to harness the resources and potential of the State to the maximum so that Assam can be one of the best states in the country, Sonowal reiterated the State government's commitment towards eradicating the problems of corruption, terrorism, pollution and illegal migration. Unity in diversity is the main characteristic of the Assamese society and it must be maintained at all costs, he said.
Saying that parents and teachers must take the responsibility to create good and able citizens who would take the State on the path of development, the Chief Minister said that only deeds, not words, would decide the future and youth must work with honesty and dedication to achieve excellence in all fields.
He also assured of looking into the demand of the Ahom community to erect a statue of Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha on the Assam Legislative Assembly premises.
