By: Amit kumaR Agarwal
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the critical role of women in nation-building, stating that "a mother’s lap is the world’s best institution of learning", while addressing the Central Foundation Day of the All-Assam Sonowal Kachari Women’s Association (AASKWA) in Dibrugarh on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, Sonowal praised the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, saying - under PM's leadership, the empowerment of women has paved the way for a prosperous and self-reliant society and nation.
Citing the Rigveda, the Union Minister stressed that women have historically played a fundamental role in shaping a progressive and holistic society. "A mother inspires her children to acquire knowledge and guides them with courage. Without effort and perseverance, it is impossible to realise one’s full potential," he said.
Sonowal further underlined the importance of balancing technological advancement with humanity, stating, "Progress is essential, but without humanity, it remains incomplete. We must prioritize human values to overcome the challenges before us."
Sonowal highlighted the need for the Sonowal Kachari community to excel through skill, resilience, and dedication. "There are no shortcuts to success. Every achievement comes through competition and challenges. Assam’s various ethnic groups must advance through education, culture, and sports. It is our responsibility to uplift the Sonowal Kachari community through action, not just words," Sonowal said.
Calling for women to take the lead in driving change, Sonowal urged everyone to embrace hard work and perseverance. He reiterated the government’s continuous efforts over the past decade to empower women.