The above immortal verses vividly depicting the greatness of Assam were penned by none other than our very own Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. True to the testament by our celebrated bard, Assam is a land with an ancient and glorious legacy, and it has long been a cradle of civilizations. Today, the people of Assam, numbering over three crores, inherit a rich cultural, geographical, and natural heritage. We are blessed with abundant natural resources, endowed with undulating forests and fertile agricultural lands.

We are nourished by the mighty rivers Brahmaputra and Barak, and a subtropical climate comprising six seasons—(Summer), (Rainy Season), (Autumn), (Late Autumn), (Winter), and (Spring). Maa Kamakhya has indeed blessed our lands to support diverse ecosystems and species and has rendered it an excellent ground for the cultivation of a variety of crops, including rice, tea, jute, and sugarcane, alongside fruits like oranges and bananas, making it an ideal location for agriculture and horticulture. On the other hand, these natural riches have provided for the emplacement of a rainbow of diverse communities, cultures, traditions, languages, art and crafts: some ancient and a few others newly found. That our people are very friendly, welcoming, hospitable and caring of one another has been well documented by travelers and historians ever since the ancient times.

Despite its bounteous natural wealth, Assam was confronted with numerous challenges in the last few decades preceding the Covid-19 phase. In the aftermath of the Assam Agitation (1979-85), the region had experienced a long period of violence, civil unrest, and ethnic strife, leaving the state in a turmoil. Alongside this, several movements that voiced the sociopolitical and economic concerns and aspirations of different tribal-indigenous communities experiencing long-felt neglect had led to political instability and social unrest. There was a downward spiral in law-and-order situation that created a trust deficit between the government and its people. Consequently, Assam had lagged in many development indicators.

However, Assam yet remains an undefeated people: neither the Mughals nor the British could really defeat the people of our land in the past. In fact, the Mughals were decisively thrashed by Lachit Borphukan in the Battle of Saraighat in 1622. The recent setbacks have also been successfully reversed by the collective will of the people. Thanks to the bold initiatives, risk-taking ability and the farsightedness of CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has achieved recovery and unprecedented growth in present times. He deserves much appreciation for the sheer increase in volume, pace and quality of result-oriented work he has kickstarted through his 24*7— round-the-clock—service delivery systems and mechanisms.

The conflicts, despair and lag are now things of the past. What a blessing it is for the whole of Assam and Northeastern states that we are now marching ahead in unison with the rest of India towards a Vikshit Bharat @2047 as envisaged by Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi Ji!

India’s Ashtalakshmi: Reigniting the Greatness of Assam and Northeast India

Just like the overpowering flow of the majestic Brahmaputra, the tide began to turn in favour of Assam, also, with the advent of the Prime Minister of Bharat Shri Narendra Modi-led NDA Government at Delhi in 2014. For instance, it was Modi Ji who listened to the grievances of the people of Northeast India region for the first time with empathy and an unambiguous intent to resolve our problems. His foresight and astute faith in the people of Northeast India once again rekindled hope, faith and trust among all groups and communities.

It augured an era of peace in the entire region, particularly in Assam. The historic number of peace accords signed under the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah ji has signaled a new dawn in the socio-political landscape of our region—thousands of cadres of different insurgent organizations have laid down their arms in the interest of peace in the last decade. They have shunned the path of violence and rejoined the mainstream society. These peace accords have paved the way for a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Assam and North East India. Earlier, many leaders had come and gone, but there was hardly anyone who had thought along the lines of bringing a policy for inclusive growth, peace and security of the people of Northeast India.

Modi Ji has ensured inclusion and diversity in our society with much care. Without doubt, his vision for Northeast India has played a significant role in Assam’s transformation. Under the “Act East Policy,” Assam has already emerged as a critical player in India’s geopolitical and economic future. The frequent visits of the Prime Minister, which were a rarity in the past, have become a catalyst for increased investment in Assam and emphasized the central government’s commitment to the state’s development. Through the recently concluded Ashtalakshmi Mohotsov, Modi Ji envisaged connecting the Northeast with the ‘Trinity of Emotion, Economy and Ecology,’ which points to better times for our region. With this enhanced focus, Assam and the Northeast Indian states have become crucial for the aspirations of the 1.25 billion Indians— providing the key connecting links for political, cultural, spiritual and socio-economic ties with countries of South East Asia.

As South East Asia is projected to drive the future economic growth, India’s Ashtalakshmi is sure to derive the shared benefits. For instance, the return of total peace has favorably placed Assam as the growth engine of India’s Ashtalakshmi. Over the past few years, Assam’s GSDP at current prices increased from ₹3,09,336.32 crore in 2018-19 to ₹4,93,166.60 crore in 2022-23, already reflecting a substantial growth. These figures indicate a consistent upward trend with significant growth in both nominal and real terms.

Assam on a path of glory

Assam is the vital gateway to Northeast India by road, rail and air. It holds immense potential for further economic development. Assam’s growth and development is integral to the growth and development of the entire Northeast region. In this connection, the peaceful environment fostered by the Assam Government provides a solid foundation for growth in sectors such as tourism, sericulture, handloom and textiles, education, industries and infrastructure. The region, being home to seven National Parks and seventeen Wildlife Sanctuaries, numerous wetlands and freshwater rivers, offers enormous potential for development of eco-tourism. Recently, 21 cultural artefacts of the Bodo community received the prestigious GI Tagging. Similarly, there are 21 other GI Products of various ethnic communities from the state of Assam that have the potential for economic and socio-cultural capital development. It is noteworthy that Assam is a crude oil producing state, while having vast potential for other renewable energy sources. The state is endowed with awesome handicraft capabilities. Presently, Assam is the third largest Silk Producing State – encompassing a diverse range of varieties, including mulberry, tasar, eri, and muga silk. Sualkuchi, a weaving center in Assam has been traditionally the powerhouse of Assam Silk Industry. Hajo and Boniakuchi specialize in brass metal industry, while bell metal craft is a speciality of Sarthebari. There is little doubt that large number of families from across the world begin their day with a cup of chai produced in Assam! The state also has a long stretch of Indo-Bhutan border which is characterised by transborder cooperation projects as well as people-to-people social, cultural and economic exchanges. The presence of the Holy Maa Kamakhya Temple, Maa Mahamaya Temple, Umananda Temple, Satras, Baukhungri Sacred Hill among others have always made Assam a pilgrimage hub of India since ancient times. The historical monuments like the Deoparbat, Suryapahar, the 18th Century Rangghar, Talatal Ghar, etc. are centers of tourist attraction.

Yet again, the subsequent taking of office by the incumbent Chief Minister of Assam Karmayogi Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Ji paved the way for a new chapter in Assam’s history! His arrival as the Chief Minister of Assam has brought a paradigm shift in the state’s governance modus operandi. His approach has been marked by efficiency, pragmatism, and a resultoriented vision, focusing on transforming Assam into one of the country’s top performers within a short timeframe. Under his leadership, Assam Government has emphasized working towards efficiency and productivity enhancement across farm and non-farm sectors. Notably, Assam witnessed significant improvement in revenue generation, including both tax and non-tax revenue streams, since 2021.

During this short period of time, Assam has envisaged and initiated the establishment of several key institutions, including medical colleges in every district, Model Colleges, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), and Assam Skill University, among others. These have significantly strengthened Assam’s educational and employment infrastructure. Additionally, during this short period, the Assam Government scaled up development projects across multiple strategically important sectors. Notable among these are the establishment of the USD 3.3 Billion Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) project by the TATAs in Jagiroad, the development of India’s First International Multimodal Logistics Port at Jogighopa, and the quick expansion of the Guwahati Airport and major and minor roadways, among others. These initiatives have not only contributed to Assam’s economic growth but also have strengthened its position as a critical economic hub in the region.

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The people of Assam eagerly anticipate significant benefits from the auspicious Advantage Assam 2.0. Our doors have been opened for investors and business leaders to explore the numerous opportunities on the offer. This event will undoubtedly create opportunities and provide a platform for crystallizing partnerships and collaborations aimed at developing a robust and dynamic economy in Assam. Additionally, it will help position Assam as a prime investment destination across India and the world.

In summary, once caught up in the shackles of conflict and stagnation, we have now embarked on a new journey of transformation. The state’s governance model has evolved, and development is becoming visible across all sectors. Its strategic location, natural wealth, and government initiatives offer an array of opportunities that will contribute to both the state’s prosperity and India’s national progress. With a strong leadership at its helm, clear vision and a speedy inflow of investments, I say with much confidence, today, that Assam is firmly on a path of glory!

Insights shared by: Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member, Bodoland Territorial Region

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