Dibrugarh: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 56th Varsity Week at Dibrugarh University on Monday.
The event, aimed at fostering a stronger sports culture among students, featured Indian track-and-field legend and Padma Shri awardee PT Usha as a special guest.
During his address, Sonowal congratulated the university community for organising the event and welcomed PT Usha, emphasising her potential to inspire and enhance the university’s sports infrastructure and athletic development.
Sonowal highlighted the importance of excelling in education, culture, research, and sports to establish a global presence, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
He urged students to combine technological advancements with traditional values of respect, devotion, and harmony.
“The spirit of brotherhood and unity seen in global sporting events should be reflected in our daily lives,” Sonowal said, adding that educational institutions like Dibrugarh University must play a crucial role in preparing students to achieve the vision of a developed India.
As an alumnus, Sonowal expressed pride in the resilience and determination of Dibrugarh University students and cited PT Usha’s inspiring journey as a testament to overcoming challenges.
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Referring to the success of Stanford University students at the Paris Olympics, where they won 39 medals, he encouraged Dibrugarh students to aim for similar achievements.
“We have the talent; we only need to guide it towards greatness. As Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said, ‘If you want to shine, you have to burn like the Sun.’ Let us work to shine and bring glory to our university and region,” Sonowal concluded.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dibrugarh University Vice Chancellor Jiten Hazarika, Registrar Parmananda Sonowal, and leaders from various organisations such as the Assam Olympic Association, Dibrugarh Development Authority, and the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council.
