Gold run augurs well for Nagaon village

Guwahati: Sprinter Hima Das's gold medal in the 400-metre race at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, has not only brought glory to her village but also a ray of hope for its infrastructure development.

Following a request from Hima's father Ranjit, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on Tuesday assured that the government would extend necessary support to improve the condition of the library, namghar (community prayer hall) and playground of Number 3 Kandulimari village at Dhing in Nagaon district.

Sonowal, who visited Hima's home on Tuesday, asked the Nagaon deputy commissioner to immediately submit a proposal to the state government for appropriate measures on the requests made by Ranjit.

Sonowal interacted with Hima's parents, Ranjit and Junali, besides other members of her family.

He congratulated her parents on the success of their daughter and felicitated them with a gamosa, a xorai and a citation. He also discussed her future plans with them. Ranjit urged Sonowal to reopen the police outpost at Sologuri. The chief minister directed the superintendent of police, Nagaon, to take necessary steps.

Sonowal said Hima's achievement has raised the stature of the Assamese people in the world. "Hima's feat inspires the Indians and the gold won by her proves that hard work, commitment and sincerity are the cornerstones of success," he said.

Sonowal told her parents that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was very elated by her success and had already expressed his sentiments at a public programme. Sonowal said Hima's victory had given a renewed thrust to women's empowerment in the country. Hima will be felicitated at a state-level programme after her return, he added. He reiterated the government's promise to appoint Hima as sports ambassador of the state and a reward of Rs 50 lakh. Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass and Batadrava MLA Angoorlata Deka accompanied Sonowal.