Chabua: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Dakha Devi Rasiwasia College (DDR College) in Chabua and laid the foundation stone for the Golden Jubilee Memorial Building. During the event, the minister emphasized the importance of infrastructural development for educational institutions, expressing hope that the upcoming construction would meet global standards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sonowal praised the college’s contributions to society despite Chabua’s remote geography and relative underdevelopment. “Chabua is inherently associated with my personal identity. Its development is my happiness, and such a feeling of pride is important for all of us present here,” he remarked. Reflecting on the college’s journey, he acknowledged the challenges faced during its 50-year history, stating, “It is only in an ocean of challenges that one can seek solutions to problems.”
The minister highlighted the need for a clear vision for the future of DDR College, drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted how clarity of vision has propelled India to become the world’s fifth-largest economy, up from 11th in 2014. Sonowal encouraged the stakeholders of DDR College—students, guardians, and faculty—to work together to create a strategy that would enable the institution to produce human capital contributing to societal upliftment.
Later in the day, Sonowal laid the foundation stone for four developmental projects at Kharjan Tea Estate under the Untied Fund Scheme and MPLADS Fund. These initiatives aim to benefit residents in Bindhakota, Balijan, Kharjan, and Panitola areas of the Chabua Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC).
Addressing the tea garden community, Sonowal expressed gratitude for their continued support throughout his political journey. He highlighted various initiatives by the NDA government, including maternity benefits worth ₹12,000, ₹10,000 credited to 8.5 lakh bank accounts, and improved infrastructure such as pucca houses, electricity, cooking gas, and toilets in tea garden areas.
Taking a swipe at previous regimes, he stated, “Unlike the Congress regime, which only paid lip service to Garibi Hatao, the current dispensation under PM Narendra Modi ji has worked on the ground to eliminate poverty among our Tea Garden brothers and sisters.”
Sonowal also lauded the achievements of five meritorious students from tea garden backgrounds who secured government jobs, emphasizing that these successes were achieved through hard work rather than bribery. “This transformation has been made possible through the sustained efforts of the BJP-led NDA government in the state since 2016,” he added.