Guwahati, Assam: On the concluding day of his high-profile visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced his “Act East” vision by blending emotional heritage with industrial self-reliance. The day’s events focused on honoring the state’s historical sacrifices and launching a multi-crore investment designed to transform the Northeast into a powerhouse of agricultural production.
A Historic First: Tribute at Swahid Smarak Kshetra
The Prime Minister began his morning in Guwahati by visiting the Swahid Smarak Kshetra in Boragaon. He became the first sitting Prime Minister to offer floral tributes at this memorial, which is dedicated to the 860 martyrs of the historic six-year-long Assam Movement (1979–1985).
- Recognition of Sacrifice: PM Modi spent time at the martyrs’ gallery and the statue of Khargeswar Talukdar (the movement’s first martyr), describing the period as a “defining chapter” in the protection of Assam’s identity.
- Significance: The visit is seen as a major cultural and emotional outreach to the indigenous people of the state.
Namrup-IV: A ₹10,600 Crore “Atmanirbhar” Milestone
In the afternoon, the Prime Minister flew to Dibrugarh for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project at Namrup. Established as a joint venture (AVFCCL), this project revitalizes the legacy of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL).
- Investment & Scale: With a massive outlay of over ₹10,600 crore, the plant is expected to produce 1.27 million metric tonnes of urea annually.
- Regional Impact: The project aims to make the Northeast self-sufficient in fertilizers, reduce India’s import dependency, and create nearly 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- Farmer Welfare: PM Modi emphasized that the plant would ensure timely and affordable fertilizer supply for farmers in Assam and neighboring states like West Bengal and Bihar.
“Pariksha Pe Charcha” on the Brahmaputra
Earlier in the morning, the PM engaged in a unique edition of “Pariksha Pe Charcha” aboard the luxury cruise vessel MV Charaidew. Sailing on the Brahmaputra River, he interacted with 25 meritorious students about exam stress and leadership, while simultaneously highlighting Assam’s immense river tourism potential.
Day 2 Summary at a Glance:
Pariksha Pe Charcha on Brahmaputra Cruise
- Location: River Brahmaputra (aboard vessel MV Charaidew), Guwahati.
- Key Detail: PM Modi interacted with 25 meritorious school students for 30 minutes while sailing on the river.
- Significance: Focused on promoting mental health and exam stress management while showcasing Assam’s massive potential for river tourism.
Swahid Smarak Visit
- Location: Boragaon, Guwahati.
- Key Detail: The first Prime Minister to visit this memorial dedicated to the 860 martyrs of the historic Assam Movement (1979–85).
- Significance: A landmark emotional recognition of the struggle to protect Assam’s indigenous identity; PM paid tribute at the eternal lamp and the martyrs’ gallery.
Namrup-IV Fertilizer Project Launch
- Location: Namrup, Dibrugarh District.
- Key Detail: Performed the Bhoomi Pujan for a new Ammonia-Urea plant with an investment of over ₹10,600 crore (some estimates up to ₹12,000 crore).
- Significance: A strategic boost for “Atmanirbhar Bharat”; it will produce 1.27 million tonnes of urea annually, ending fertilizer shortages in the Northeast and reducing import dependency.
Public Address at Hapjan
- Location: Hapjan (near Namrup), Dibrugarh.
- Key Detail: Addressed a massive gathering of over 1.5 lakh people before departing for New Delhi.
- Significance: Reaffirmed the “Double-Engine” government’s commitment to the Northeast, highlighting how industrial revival is a cornerstone of the “Act East” policy.