In a powerful address that resonated with thousands of devoted followers, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma took the stage at the Karbi People’s Hall during the Diphu Taralangso event. This gathering celebrated the rich traditions of the Karbi people, specifically their ancient religious practice known as Aronbarim Chingrum.
Addressing the crowd, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding Karbi cultural heritage, particularly for the younger generation. “Even if someone from America or another foreign country comes and speaks well to us, we should not lose our roots or adopt their religious beliefs or culture,” he urged, highlighting the significance of the Karbi culture, which he noted has thrived for over 5,000 years.
During his speech, Dr. Sarma announced several initiatives aimed at bolstering the community’s cultural and economic landscape. Among his promises was the allocation of funds for the construction of 100 worship sites dedicated to the Karbi people, along with a one-time financial assistance of 10,000 rupees for each worshipper. Additionally, he revealed plans for a cultural extravaganza, where a thousand artists would showcase their dances in Guwahati.
In a bold move to further educational opportunities within the community, the Chief Minister also declared a grant of 10 crore rupees for establishing a Karbi Theological College. This investment aims to enrich the educational framework within the Karbi community and ensure the continuity of their religious teachings.
Following his commitment to cultural preservation, Dr. Sarma updated the media on various development projects that he inaugurated during his two-day visit. He discussed recent interactions with Anganwadi workers and other organizations, announcing the imminent opening of several key institutions including a Sainik school, a veterinary college, an agricultural college, and a cancer hospital.
In an overview of the political landscape, the Chief Minister reported that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured unopposed victories in 35 district councils during the recent panchayat elections, while the Assam Gana Parishad won in two councils. He noted that the Congress party struggled to field candidates in many constituencies, indicating a shift in political dynamics within the region.
Responding to inquiries regarding the trading licenses and land patta registration for the Karbi community in Karbi Anglong district, Dr. Sarma reassured attendees that these processes are now managed online, which has enabled the council to provide land rights to 100,000 individuals.
