HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Jan 4: A get-together billed as ‘Adda with a Cup of Tea’ drew wide attention from the citizens of Sivasagar. The programme was organised by Sibsagar Girls’ College on its premises on January 3 with the aim of creating a common platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas. Initiating the programme, the principal of the college, Dr Protim Sharma said that in today’s fast-paced world, the need to come together and discuss issues face to face has long been felt. He added that centrally located Sibsagar Girls’ College was happy to provide such a platform for meaningful interaction.
The first edition of the adda was held on the theme ‘Sivasagar of My Dreams’ (Xopunar Sivasagar) and witnessed the participation of a large number of distinguished personalities from the town. Participants represented diverse fields such as literature, journalism, sports, medicine, law, history, tourism, art and culture, drama, environment and social work, among others.
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Prof J P Saikia, Vice Chancellor of J B University, highlighted the importance of community engagement in all spheres of the development process and stressed the need for robust infrastructure to enable progress in every sector, including education. Noted author Prema Gogoi briefly recalled the rich heritage of Assamese writing in Sivasagar, tracing it back to the days of Arunudoi. Veteran sports personality Manoj Bhagawati pointed out that while sports infrastructure in the town remains inadequate, the District Sports Association is making efforts to develop facilities such as the Piyoli Phukan Indoor Stadium and a full-fledged cricket playground at Kalugaon.
Theatre personality Prasanta Sarma spoke on the need for well-equipped auditoriums to nurture and promote young talent in dramatics. Social activist Sarat Hazarika expressed concern over the lack of coordination among various government departments, while educationist Dr Prasanta Chutia identified unplanned urban growth as one of the key reasons behind the slow pace of development in the town. ONGC official Jayanta Patar emphasised that a peaceful environment is essential for development and must go hand in hand with progress.
Dr P P Chetia laid stress on the beautification of historic monuments and tanks in and around Sivasagar to attract tourists. Amitabh Baruah, president of Rangpur Sahitya Sabha, said that the town urgently needs a modern railway platform along with stoppages of premium trains such as the Rajdhani Express and Vande Bharat Express. Dr Sukalyan Das and Dr Rajib Baruah highlighted the need for improved medical facilities to cater to the people of the town and surrounding areas.
Several other distinguished citizens actively took part in the adda, including octogenarians Sonaram Baruah and Hem Baruah, Dipali Bhattacharyya Baruah, president of Sivasagar District Sports Association Ponaram Mili, educationists Raman Sarma, Dr Saumarjyoti Mahanta, Dr Ranjit Kumar Boruah, Pabitra Pran Bhattacharyya, Dr Jehiruddin Khan, artist Rupam Bezbaruah, cultural activist Plabita Borthakur, advocate Diganta Mangal Neog, Bandana Kaushik Bordoloi, Sanjay Parikh, Manirul Islam Bora, Brazil Chutia, Bhoirab Munda, Santosh Dutta, Phulbar Dihingia and others.
The deliberations were moderated by journalist Kaushtove Moni Kakoty and Associate Professor of Sibsagar Girls’ College, Sanjay Das.
