Governor attends 126th foundation day of Cotton University
Presents Governor’s Excellence Awards to meritorious students
Guwahati,Rongili Barta : Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the 126th foundation day celebration of Cotton University and presented the Governor’s Excellence Awards to meritorious undergraduate and postgraduate students at the KBR auditorium of the university here today.
Addressing the assembly, the Governor extended his greetings and congratulations to the students, faculty members and alumni of the university and described Cotton University as one of the most prestigious centres of higher education, intellectual awakening and cultural renaissance in the Northeast. Recalling the institution’s rich legacy since its establishment in 1901, he said the university has played a pivotal role in shaping Assam’s literary, cultural and intellectual landscape and has significantly contributed to the freedom movement and nation-building.
Paying his tributes to the stalwarts associated with the institution, the Governor said that eminent personalities such as Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Dr. Mamoni Raisom Goswami, Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Lakshmi Nandan Bora, Hem Barua to name a few remain enduring symbols of the institution’s glorious heritage. He expressed happiness that the present generation of students is carrying forward the legacy of excellence established by these luminaries.
Congratulating the recipients of the Governor’s Excellence Awards, Shri Acharya said that the initiative, launched by Lok Bhavan in 2022 aims to encourage academic brilliance, innovation and healthy competition among students. He said the scheme has emerged as a source of inspiration for meritorious students and reflects society’s recognition of their dedication and hard work. The Governor’s award was presented to the toppers of Under Graduate and Post Graduates students which carried a gold medal, a certificate, bundle of books and a cheque of Rs. 5000 each.
Highlighting the role of youth in nation-building, the Governor said that the true strength of a nation lies in its young generation whose determination and vision can transform society and shape the future of the country. He urged students to dream big, remain fearless in the face of challenges and dedicate themselves towards the service of society and the nation.
Underscoring the importance of the Guru-Shishya tradition in Indian culture, Shri Acharya said that teachers not only impart knowledge but also shape character and provide direction in life. He paid rich tributes to the faculty members of the university for their contribution towards nurturing responsible and enlightened citizens. Referring to great teacher-disciple traditions from Indian history, including Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdev, Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, he said that every great personality has been shaped under the guidance of a dedicated Guru.
The Governor further stated that in an era marked by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence and global competition, education must go beyond academic excellence and focus equally on skills, sensitivity, innovation and moral values. Referring to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, he expressed confidence that the youth of Assam would play a vital role in building a developed and self-reliant India.
Shri Acharya also called upon students to remain humble despite their achievements and stay rooted to their values and cultural heritage. He said knowledge becomes truly meaningful only when accompanied by humility and social responsibility.
Eminent educationist Sourabh Pal delivered the 126th Foundation Day Lecture and spoke extensively on the evolving architecture of education in the age of artificial intelligence. He emphasized the importance of intellectual agency, contextual learning, human values and continuous self-development to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Vice Chancellor Cotton University Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka, Registrar
Dr. Hiren Deka, Chairperson of the organising committee Dr. Akunthita Borthakur, faculty members, students and several distinguished guests were present on the occasion.