"Bengalis of Assam should learn both their mother tongue and Assamese" : Himanta Biswa Sarma

In a significant speech delivered at the Assam Bengali Youth Students’ Organisation’s Conference held in Silapathar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the long-standing alliance between the Bengali-speaking Assamese people and the Assamese people for the development of the state. 

Chief Minister Sarma expressed his belief that Bengalis should consider themselves as proud Assamese people rather than seeking an independent Bengali identity. He asserted that demanding separate treatment for Bengalis would only widen the perceived differences between Assamese and Bengalis. Stressing the shared cultural heritage of the Sanatan culture and the celebration of Kali Puja and Durga Puja together by both Bengalis and Assamese, Sarma underscored the importance of living together in harmony.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the linguistic connection between Assamese and Bengali, emphasising that both the languages originated from Sanskrit. He firmly stated that he does not perceive any difference between Assamese and Bengalis and criticised those who actively search for such distinctions. Sarma provided examples of how the two communities coexist within various neighborhoods, such as Bengali speakers residing in Pandu, Maligaon and Assamese people living in Pan Bazaar, Fancy Bazaar, and Silpukhuri. He urged the audience not to focus on differences solely based on language.

While acknowledging the importance of respecting one’s mother tongue, Sarma emphasised that the Assamese language holds a significant role in Assam and is native to the state. He called upon the Bengali community to learn both their mother tongue and Assamese, believing that they have a greater responsibility to maintain their mother tongue while also embracing Assamese as their own.