HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 4: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday felicitated 1,534 meritorious students from Bezera and Sualkuchi for their outstanding performance in the HSLC and Higher Secondary Examinations, 2025. The felicitation ceremony was held at Changsari in Kamrup district.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that ever since he was elected as the MLA from Jalukbari constituency in 2001, he has been honouring students who excel in the HSLC and HS examinations.
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He noted that while only 288 students were felicitated in 2002, the number of awardees has increased significantly over the years, reaching 2,116 students this year.
Highlighting the fast-changing nature of society, Sarma said the pace of change has become so rapid that even those who initiate transformation often struggle to keep up.
He pointed out that advancements in medical science have increased life expectancy, meaning today’s students may live well beyond 90 years and will witness several major shifts in technology, lifestyle and work patterns during their lifetime.
Referring to technological evolution, the chief minister recalled how television entered India during the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi with black-and-white broadcasts, later moving to colour, and eventually being overtaken by mobile phones and smartphones.
He said similar transitions occurred in office work, from typewriters to computers and laptops, and now to artificial intelligence-driven systems.
Sarma observed that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning are transforming almost every sector, adding that the era of software as it is traditionally known is nearing its end.
He also spoke about changes in food production, medical science and healthcare, noting the emergence of bioengineered food, genetic screening, preventive healthcare and robotic surgeries.
He mentioned that robotic surgical procedures have already been performed at Guwahati Medical College and that in the future, doctors may operate on patients from distant locations using advanced technologies.
Stating that developments driven by artificial intelligence represent only the “tip of the iceberg”, the Chief Minister urged students not to rely solely on textbook learning.
He called upon them to prepare themselves in line with future human resource requirements and to choose fields aligned with Industry 4.0.
He added that the Assam government has also been adapting to these changes by upgrading ITI courses to include artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality and machine learning.
Sarma further said that the government plans to install an advanced proton therapy machine costing Rs 500 crore at Guwahati Medical College for cancer treatment and has made arrangements to store solar power generated during the day through pump storage systems for use during peak demand.
Stressing that meritorious students carry greater responsibility, the chief minister said their higher achievements must translate into greater contributions to society.
He concluded his address by reading out the citation presented to the awardees.
MLA Kamalpur Diganta Kalita, Kamrup District Commissioner Deb Kumar Mishra, noted social worker Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, renowned singer Pulak Banerjee, career counsellor Dr Gouranga Sarma and several other dignitaries were present at the function.
