Guwahati, Nov. 14: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal today used the occasion of Children's Day to reach out to the younger generation to ensure good governance and make Assam "one of the best states in the country".
Addressing a gathering at a function of the Sadou Asom Moina Parijat, an organisation that works for the intellectual development of the children of the state, at Shilpgram here, Sonowal said, "My appeal to you all is work hard, sincerely and honestly to make Assam one of the best states in the country. We are trying but it is also up to you to ensure the state's development."
Sonowal also rooted for a clean administration and political establishment.
"If the MLAs, ministers, municipal or zila parishad chiefs are bad, the government will suffer," he said.
For the first time, the chief minister participated in a question-answer session with children after the function. The participants asked Sonowal whether he had planned to become chief minister and if he had any plans to equip the Moina Parijat centres with Internet and other facilities.
The 54-year-old said he had never planned to become a chief minister but worked hard all his life. "You should work hard. Don't worry about the results, they will come on their own," he said.
Besides announcing Rs 15 lakh to the organisation and a two- bigha plot of land in the city, Sonowal said the government would help improve facilities at the centre.
Cabinet minister and the organisation's president Keshav Mahanta and former MLA Jayanta Malla Barua also participated in the function. Mahanta recalled his association with the organisation and how it had helped shape his outlook.
Sonowal also released nine books published by the Asom Sishu Sahitya Nyas on the occasion of Children's Day celebrations organised by the Nyas at Latasil Playground. The state government publicised Children's Day celebrations with advertisements carrying photographs of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sonowal.
Children across the state also enjoyed free screening of the first Assamese animation movie Xorbogunakor Xankardeb, based on the life of Vaishnavite saint Xankardeb. The show was a special treat from Assam's cinema hall owners to mark the occasion. The organisers had decided to arrange a free screening of the Manju Borah-directed film for its educational value.
The film's producer, Sanjive Narain, told The Telegraph that the movie was screened in over 30 cinema halls across the state and each of the halls was packed. "Besides, the state government's decision to waive entertainment tax will reduce the price of tickets by 30 per cent," he said.
