GUWAHATI: In a significant development during the ongoing convention of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in Morigaon, Utpal Sarma and Shankar Jyoti Baruah have been appointed as the new president and general secretary, respectively.
The decision, finalised on Friday, follows the resignation of the former president, Dipanka Kumar Nath, who cited personal reasons for stepping down.
Sarma, who had assumed interim responsibilities after Nath’s resignation, expressed his commitment to the role of president.
“I will carry out my responsibilities with utmost dedication. I hope the people will support me and give their love and blessings,” Sarma declared.
He extended his gratitude to the people of Morigaon for their warmth and support during the 18th convention. Sarma also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Assam, urging the public to support AASU in addressing the issues of indigenous people and ensuring a bright future for the student community.
Baruah, already serving as the general secretary, secured another term in his position.
Commenting on his reappointment, Baruah stated, “For the second time, the representatives of AASU have shown faith in me and handed me the responsibility of carrying on as the general secretary.”
He pledged to lead with dedication, honesty, and adherence to the organization’s constitution, seeking the blessings and cooperation of the people of Assam and AASU members.
Interestingly, the leadership transition comes after the Union fixed the age limit for its members at 40 years, a decision made during its 17th general conference in Duliajan town, Dibrugarh district, on November 22.
According to the amendments, any AASU member or leader surpassing 40 years will be required to retire from the organisation. This move is part of ongoing efforts to revitalise and rejuvenate the historic student organisation.
The Union, however, vehemently opposed the retirement proposal for their chief advisor, Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharjya.
Earlier, Bhattacharjya had publicly announced his intention to retire from AASU during the Duliajan conference.
“I am overwhelmed by emotions, respect and attachment shown to me by the AASU members. I will respect the sentiments of our members,” he was quoted by the press as saying.
