Assam University, Silchar, is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Sonbeel Utsav 2.0 on February 7, 2026. This edition promises an intensified focus on the ecological, cultural, and scientific significance of Sonbeel, widely recognized as Asia’s largest freshwater wetland.
A Meaningful Academic Collaboration
Marking a significant step towards wider regional participation and community engagement, the Utsav will be organized in collaboration with Rabindranath Tagore University (RTU), Hojai.
A preparatory meeting for the event was held at the Hemanga Biswas Sabhakakshya in the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat, Assam University. Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant presided over the session, emphasizing that the Utsav is a crucial component of the University’s broader vision, Bemisaal Barak. He expressed confidence that the residents of the Barak Valley would wholeheartedly support the festival to ensure its success.
“This Utsav aligns closely with the broader vision of Bemisaal Barak. We are confident that residents across the Barak Valley would lend their support to ensure the festival’s success.” — Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant, Vice Chancellor, Assam University
Virtually joining the meeting, RTU Vice Chancellor Prof. Manabendra Dutta Choudhury reinforced the collaborative spirit, highlighting that Sonbeel Utsav 2.0 would contribute to the greater good of the Sonbeel region and play a significant role in regional development and ecology at large.
Focus on Sustainability and Outreach
This time, the one-day Utsav is designed to be more focused and impactful, featuring a dynamic blend of:
- Vibrant Cultural Performances
- Essential Awareness Programmes
- Discussions on Sustainable Wetland Management
Prof. Arun Jyoti Nath, coordinator of Sonbeel Utsav 2.0, addressed the gathering, detailing the University’s continued social outreach, including its active role in facilitating homestay facilities in the Sonbeel area to boost eco-tourism and local economies.
The officials of Assam University asserted that Sonbeel Utsav 2.0 is not just an academic event but a combined regional initiative for the protection, promotion, and celebration of one of the most valued ecosystems in the Barak Valley.
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