Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal said the Motok community has played a pivotal role in shaping the social, cultural and national character of the Assamese people, and called for strengthening collective efforts to build a self-reliant Assam through discipline, determination and youth empowerment. Sonowal was speaking at the 86th Central Foundation Day of the “Sadou Asom Motok Sanmilan”, held at Bokpara Public Auditorium in Dibrugarh.

Addressing a large gathering, the Dibrugarh LSC MP said that the Motok community’s resilience and organisational discipline have consistently contributed to the progress of Assamese society.

“The Motok community is known for discipline, commitment and resilience. When they decide on a task, they achieve it through dedication and hard work,” Sarbananda Sonowal said, adding that the community has historically demonstrated a strong sense of unity and responsibility.

Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the need to blend scientific progress with cultural and moral values, stressing that development must be rooted in humanity.

“We must adopt technology without disconnecting from our ancestral heritage and values. Technology is important, but never at the cost of humanity,” Sonowal said. The Union Minister added that human values are crucial to sustaining social and spiritual relationships.

Calling for youth leadership across sectors, Sonowal urged young members of the Motok community to pursue excellence in education, agriculture, science and technology, sports and culture.

“If courage, morale, focus and determination remain strong, the Assamese nation can rise to global excellence. A self-reliant Motok society will build a self-reliant Assam, and a self-reliant Assam will strengthen the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” said Sonowal.

Remembering Guru Aniruddhadeva, Sonowal said his teachings form the moral foundation of discipline and social reform that continue to guide the community.

“Inspired by the ideals of Guru Aniruddhadeva, we must empower the community towards self-reliance,” Sonowal said.

The programme was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including noted educationist Chandra Senapati, Axom Sahitya Sabha President Sashangk Neog, memoir release guest Manoj Gohain, Sadou Asom Motok Sanmilan, General Secretary, Kiron Rajkhowa, ATDC Chairman, Rituparna Boruah, Assam State Housing Board, Chairman, Puluk Gohain, and DRDA Chairman Aseem Hazarika.

Book Launch at Nandalal Borgohain City College

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the memoir ‘Jyotishnata’ at Nandalal Borgohain City College, commemorating the life and contributions of academician Jyoti Borgohain. The event was attended by Principal Dr. Sanjibananda Borgohain, Vice-Chairperson Manasi Borgohain, Dibrugarh Mayor Saikat Patra, Deputy Mayor Ujjal Phukan, among other dignitaries.

Sonowal said the book reflects Borgohain’s journey in educational, intellectual and social service spaces, and hoped readers would receive it warmly. “The work to document her inspiring journey has been accomplished with sincerity,” Sonowal said.

Invoking the spirit of Lachit Divas, Sarbananda Sonowal encouraged students to adopt perseverance and patriotism as foundational values for success.

“There is no shortcut to success. Patience, determination and hard work are the only path,” Sonowal said, quoting Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Invoking the spirit of Assam’s legendary warrior on the occasion of Lachit Diwas, Sonowal urged the youth to draw inspiration from Lachit Borphukan in the collective mission of nation-building, declaring, “No shortcut to success — learn from Lachit Borphukan.”

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also announced that a new Centre of Excellence for maritime skill development is upcoming in Dibrugarh, which will train 5,000 youth annually with certification to enhance employment prospects.

Sonowal paid tribute to late social reformer Nandalal Borgohain, calling him a symbol of humanity and community service, and appealed to students to uphold humility and social responsibility.

The Minister concluded the programme by interacting with students and assuring institutional support for educational and skill-building initiatives.

 

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GDH/PN/SJ

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