• Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announces Rs 1.5 lakh for each of the Over 2,000 Bihu committees

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    Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announces Rs 1.5 lakh for each of the Over 2,000 Bihu committees
    Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma advised Bihu committee members assembled to use their platforms to preach the message of...

    Digital Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially presented Rs 1.5 lakh one-time financial support to a total of 2,114 Rongali Bihu committees from throughout the state on Wednesday, as part of a cultural affairs department project begun last year.

    The one-time cash aid was given to 1,265 committees last year. The initiative began last year.

    Sarma, referring to Bihu as a symbol of the Assamese community's rich cultural history, stated that the project was launched to guarantee that one of the state's most renowned festivals be celebrated in a manner befitting its significance in Assam's cultural realm.

    "There is a huge disparity between how Bihu was celebrated during the mediaeval period, particularly during the Ahom era, and how it is celebrated now, and these changes with change in time reflect the progressive nature of Assamese society in general," he added.

    He highlighted the need of instilling in future generations the value of being entrenched in their cultural history and identity. He stated that it is owing to a lack of basic information about ethnic heritages that the younger generations are frequently observed engaging in unproductive debates and conversations on unrelated topics on social media.

    Sarma urged the Bihu committee members present to make use of their platforms to spread the message of solidarity and unity, saying that including inclusivity, rather than shrinking, would reinforce the idea of a composite Assamese identity.

    The CM made an emotional appeal to the Bihu committees to abstain from the illicit behaviours of alcohol and forceful donations on their different occasions.