Guwahati, Apr 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday declared that the state is on its way to becoming one of the strongest in the country, with positive thinking and collective efforts driving its transformation into a land of peace and prosperity.

Addressing the 32nd Convocation of Gauhati University, Sarma emphasized that India’s progress is powered by its pillars of culture, education, science, and the arts. He noted that Assam is progressing in line with the nation’s growth. “Assam is no longer a dependent state, but stands proudly as a contributing state to the nation’s development,” he said.

Sarma encouraged students to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, stressing that the dreams and creativity of youth are the foundation of a new, progressive Assam. He assured the graduates that ample opportunities will be provided to help them fulfill their aspirations within the state.

A total of 3,593 students received bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while 148 were awarded PhDs. Honorary Doctorate degrees were conferred to Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, former Director of Dr. B Barooah Cancer Institute; Tapan Kumar Saikia, Honorary Director of Oncoscience, Jaslok Hospital & Research Institute, Mumbai; and Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who attended the ceremony, called for deeper academic collaboration with national and international institutions. He also emphasized the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in reshaping India’s educational landscape, praising Gauhati University for being the first in the Northeast to implement the policy.

Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, TERI Director General Dr. Vibha Dhawan, and Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta also addressed the gathering, congratulating the graduates and encouraging them to contribute to society.