Guwahati: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted the vital role of youth in nation-building during his address at the ‘Think India North-East Summit 2025’ at IIT Guwahati.
The event brought together students from across the Northeast, with discussions focusing on the region’s growth and its contribution to India’s economic advancement.
In his speech, Sonowal reflected on the transformative developments in the Northeast over the past decade, underlining how these efforts have contributed significantly to India’s economic growth.
He reaffirmed the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and emphasised the growing importance of the region in India’s broader development narrative.
“The youth of our nation are its driving force,” Sonowal stated.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government has prioritised empowering young minds and creating opportunities for growth. The youth of Assam and the Northeast are now securing opportunities based on merit, making remarkable contributions to building a self-reliant and prosperous India. PM Modi is Assam’s biggest advantage, leading the state towards unprecedented progress,” he added.
Sonowal further stressed the importance of youth in helping India achieve its goal of becoming one of the top three global economies by 2030, emphasising the role of innovation, hard work, and national commitment in realising this vision.
In a heartfelt message to the students, the minister underscored the need to stay grounded in India’s cultural heritage while embracing modern advancements, especially in technology and artificial intelligence.
Drawing inspiration from Assamese cultural icon Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Sonowal encouraged students to aim for global success through dedication, intellect, and creativity.
The Union minister also engaged in a lively discussion with students about the Northeast’s growing significance in India’s economic future.
“Every Indian now believes in the country’s potential to emerge as a global leader. This belief is what we call ‘Think India,'” Sonowal remarked, reaffirming the strategic initiatives of the Modi government, such as the ‘Act East Policy,’ which has strengthened the region’s integration with both national and global economies.
During an interactive session, Sonowal addressed questions about India’s maritime sector transformation.
He shared insights from the 2024-25 Economic Survey, which highlighted the Ministry’s top-tier performance in infrastructure development.
The minister praised the record growth in capacity at major ports under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, emphasising India’s rising status as a maritime powerhouse.
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Sonowal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making India one of the top 10 global maritime nations.
He emphasised that strategic initiatives such as inland waterway investments, port modernisation, and green shipping are driving India’s economic progress.
“Our efforts to harness the potential of water resources and develop world-class maritime infrastructure will continue, and the youth will play a key role in shaping this future,” Sonowal concluded.
The event was attended by IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal, senior faculty members, and other prominent dignitaries, who participated in insightful discussions on India’s future and the Northeast’s growing role in the country’s development.
