Youth Must Oppose Forces Threatening Development: Himanta Sarma

(MENAFN- IANS) Guwahati, Sep 7 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday called upon the state's youth to play a leading role in shaping its future, asserting that natural resources alone cannot transform the state without a strong human resource base and the right ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Addressing a programme at Gauhati University, Sarma said Assam was working towards creating an ecosystem where young people could create, innovate and lead industries of the future.“Natural resources can give you an advantage but human resources and the right ecosystem can change the entire game,” the Chief Minister said.

He stressed the importance of empowering young people with opportunities in education, innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging industries, saying the state's future would depend significantly on the ability of its youth to seize these opportunities.

Sarma urged the people of Assam, particularly the younger generation, to work towards building a new future for the state and protect the development gains achieved in recent years. He also appealed to the youth to oppose what he described as forces seeking to undermine Assam's hard-earned growth and development.

The Chief Minister said Assam was witnessing progress across several sectors and that creating opportunities for the younger generation was crucial to sustaining the state's development trajectory.

His remarks came during a programme attended by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan at Gauhati University.

The Vice-President had earlier laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth Rs 110 crore at the university, including a new multidisciplinary academic building, a boys' hostel, an international students' hostel and development works related to the auditorium and library.

The programme also featured the release of books on legendary Assamese singer and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika and Assamese lexicography.

Sarma has repeatedly highlighted the role of education, employment and skill development in transforming Assam's economy and providing greater opportunities to its young population.

The Chief Minister said the state's development must be driven by a combination of its natural advantages and the capabilities of its people. He called upon the youth to embrace innovation and take advantage of emerging opportunities, while contributing to the broader goal of building a stronger and more prosperous Assam.

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