Assam Day at trade fair: A celebration of culture, progress & future aspirations

Assam Day was celebrated with immense grandeur and enthusiasm at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam here on Friday. The event was a splendid showcase of the state’s rich cultural heritage, while also highlighting its aspirations for growth and development in the coming years.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome to dignitaries, who were escorted to the stage by senior officers from the Assam’s Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce. The gathering included prominent leaders such as Bimal Borah, Minister for Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises, and Darrang MP Dilip Saikia along with key officials from the Assam Industrial Development Corporation, including Vice-Chairman Navadeep Kalita, Secretary Indira Kalita and Managing Director Manvendra Pratap Singh.

The event officially kicked off with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising Assam’s bright future.

In his inaugural address, Saikia praised Assam’s rich cultural legacy and its historical contributions, including the globally renowned Vrindavani Vastra, which is preserved in the British Museum. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering support to the region, which he called “the Ashtalakshmi of India”, and acknowledged the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in driving transformative changes in the state.

Saikia highlighted major projects such as the upcoming Rs 27,000 crore Tata Semiconductor Plant, marking Assam’s leap into becoming a key player in the country’s industrial landscape. He expressed hope that such landmark investments would help Assam achieve its goal of becoming a developed state in the near future.

Borah underscored the state’s growing potential under the framework of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. Borah spoke about the role of PM Modi’s initiatives like Digital India, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, Startup India and the Unity Mall, all of which he said had empowered Assam’s industries and entrepreneurs.

He also spoke about the significant MoUs signed with global industry leaders such as PEPSICO and Dalmia Cement, as well as the much-anticipated Global Investment Summit scheduled for February 2025, which will further bolster Assam’s investment ecosystem.

One of the key initiatives praised by Borah was the Chief Minister Atma Nirbhar Asom Abhiyan (CMAAA), which encourages entrepreneurship among the state’s youth. He also lauded the Skill India Mission for unlocking the untapped potential of Assam’s young talent.

“The global recognition of India’s indigenous technologies is a testament to the vision of PM Modi, who aims to make India a Vishwa Guru,” Borah said.

Later, the audience was treated to a spectacular cultural programme that showcased Assam’s artistic richness and diverse traditions. Traditional dance performances stole the spotlight, with Sattriya dance opening the cultural segment. Four young girls, dressed in stunning blue outfits, performed the classical dance with grace and precision, captivating the audience.

The energy in the hall escalated with the vibrant Tiwa folk dance, accompanied by live music, followed by the spirited Karbi folk dance. The final cultural act, the famous Bihu dance, brought the celebrations to a jubilant crescendo as dancers filled the stage with their high-energy movements and colourful attire.

Assamese singer Madhab Ranjan Gogoi added to the evening’s magic with an enthralling singing performance. His soulful rendition of traditional Assamese songs left the audience spellbound.

The celebration concluded with the collective singing of the National Anthem, a powerful reminder of the unity and shared purpose that binds the people of India. The event was not only a celebration of Assam’s past and present but also a reflection of the state’s bright future — a future of innovation, growth, and global recognition.

Organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Assam, in active collaboration with the Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Department of the Government of Assam, Assam Day at IITF 2024 was a grand success, leaving attendees inspired and eager to be part of Assam’s ongoing transformation.