Our Reporter
Dimapur, Oct. 30 (EMN): Governor of Assam and Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi and his wife Prem Mukhi, laid the foundation stone of Durga Mandir at Gautam Bosti in Khatkhati, Assam, on October 30.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Prof. Mukhi said Durga Mandir at Gautam Bosti will be a centre of spirituality and symbol of unity. He stated that historically even when there was no mode of communication and transport, the people were united from Himalayas to Kanyakumari because their ancestors built temples and developed a system where people from other parts of the country visit each other and kept them united. He expressed confidence that the temple at Gautam Bosti too would keep the people united.
Prof. Mukhi mentioned northeastern states have progress rapidly in the last eight years under the Act East Policy. He added that NE has about 3% of India’s population but 9% of railway budget is spent on NE. He stated that Mizoram is being connected by railway, while terminals are being developed in Nagaland.
Prof. Mukhi informed that the government has made an agreement with Bangladesh to be connected with NE, which would be cheap and with better quality.
Noting the progress made in terms of start-ups and industries in the Northeast, he stated that the people would see the results in the next 5 years. He added that Assam, Nagaland and other states would not be behind anyone.
Briefing about the construction of the temple, member of the Durga Mandir Trust, NCR Nair, mentioned that the Trust was constituted on January 21, 2021, with the purpose of maintaining and improving the local religious customs and beliefs.
Nair added that the budget of the temple was around INR 3 crore and planned to complete temple within two to three years.
Short speech was also delivered by the deputy speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr. Numal Momin, and the advisor of Durga Mandir Trust, Michael Timung.