Knowledge is Power: Sarbananda Sonowal Urges Youth to Drive Developed India Vision
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urges students to embrace hard work and education to help build a developed India during a visit to Dibrugarh.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has called upon the youth to recognize the pivotal role of education in building a developed India. Speaking at Manohari Devi Kanoi Girls' College in Dibrugarh, the Minister emphasized that the journey toward a prosperous nation is paved with knowledge, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to hard work.
The Minister's address coincided with the distribution of financial assistance under the Assam government's Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes, initiatives designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder a student's academic journey.
Beyond Dreaming: The Price of Success
Addressing the students, Sonowal reminded them that while dreaming is the first step, it is not the final one. He stressed that every ambition requires dedicated effort and perseverance to become a reality.
"Knowledge is power, and it can be acquired through education," Sonowal stated, adding that the lives of successful individuals are often marked by immense struggle and sacrifice, which are rarely visible from the outside.
He urged the students to remain focused and disciplined, asserting that education is the primary tool for acquiring the knowledge necessary to secure a successful future.
From a Small Village to the Union Cabinet
In a personal reflection, the Union Minister shared his own journey to inspire the students. Born in Muluk village in Dibrugarh, nestled between the Brahmaputra and Dibru rivers, Sonowal recalled a time when the sea was a distant concept he had never seen.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to lead the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which thrust him into an entirely new field of learning. Sonowal expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, noting that this trust motivated him to embrace new experiences and work with absolute dedication over the last five years.
The Rise of Nari Shakti in Maritime Sector
The Minister also shed light on the strategic importance of the maritime sector, explaining how ports act as the gateway connecting Indian products to global markets and ensuring the flow of essential goods into the country.
Highlighting the 21st century as the era of Nari Shakti (women's empowerment), he pointed out a significant shift in the shipping industry. He revealed that the number of women working in the shipping sector has seen a dramatic increase, growing from approximately 1,000 before 2014 to around 8,000 today.
A Vision for Unity and Growth
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva, Sarbananda Sonowal spoke about the necessity of unity and harmony. He reiterated the Prime Minister's guiding philosophy of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas".
Concluding his address, he encouraged students to set clear goals and pursue them with a positive outlook and confidence. He maintained that India's aspiration to become a developed nation can only be realized by fully harnessing the creativity, skills, and knowledge of its young generation.