Guwahati, 07 September (HS): Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan on Monday laid the foundation stone for the first phase of a ₹110-crore infrastructure development project at Gauhati University in the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The Vice President also interacted with students, faculty members and distinguished citizens and unveiled the 5th revised and expanded edition of ‘Chandrakanta Abhidhan’, published by Gauhati University Press. He also released the book ‘Bhupen Hazarika – Hundred Years of a Wandering Song’, commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said the true worth of a university is measured not merely by its infrastructure but by the intellectual wealth it creates and the values it instils in its students. He said the Assam government had already announced a ₹250-crore grant for Gauhati University’s infrastructure development. Of this, the first phase worth ₹110 crore includes academic buildings, hostels and residential quarters.

Dr. Sarma urged the university authorities to submit proposals for the remaining ₹140 crore at the earliest so that the projects could be approved within the current financial year. He also announced additional government funding to upgrade the Gauhati University stadium to international standards.

Highlighting the role of youth in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Chief Minister said Assam has one of the youngest youth populations in the country. He called for developing young people into globally competitive human resources and urged the university to introduce foreign languages such as Japanese, English and German more extensively.

Dr. Sarma also called upon Gauhati University to emerge as a modern research hub in Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, semiconductors and advanced technologies, particularly in view of the upcoming semiconductor industry at Jagiroad.

Urging students to adopt a positive and constructive outlook, the Chief Minister said destruction could happen through a momentary decision, while creation requires sustained effort. He expressed confidence that Gauhati University would help nurture a generation capable of making Assam the best state in India by 2047.

Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Nilima Devi, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Registrar Prof. Utpal Sarma, MLAs, professors, students and other dignitaries were present at the event.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash