The two-day Pushna Utsav, hosted by the Sadou Asom Goria-Moria-Deshi Jatiya Parishad, wrapped up on Thursday in Beltoli, Bilasipara sub-division of the Dhubri district. The event combined vibrant cultural festivities with a passionate call for social reform and inclusive development for the Deshi community, an indigenous Muslim group in western Assam.
At the event, Jibesh Ray, Chief Executive Member of the Kamatapur Autonomous Council (KAC), addressed the large audience, promising to enhance inclusivity within the council and to ensure representation for the Deshi community. His pledge was met with applause, reflecting the community’s longstanding demand for greater institutional representation.
Prominent leaders including Hafizul Ahmed, Chairman of the Goria Development Council, and Nurul Haque, President of the Sadou Asom Goria-Moria-Deshi Jatiya Parishad, also attended the event. They spoke about the importance of socio-economic upliftment, emphasizing that cultural preservation must accompany social progress.
Discussions during the festival highlighted pressing issues such as eradicating social superstitions, ending child marriage, promoting literacy, and improving vocational skills. Organizers noted that while Pushna Utsav is traditionally a time for cultural celebration, this year’s focus on raising awareness and initiating reform was particularly crucial for empowering the community.
The festival also showcased a variety of cultural programs, including art and debate competitions, as well as exhibitions highlighting the heritage of the Deshi community. Traditional foods and household items were displayed, with speakers underlining the cultural significance of Shidol, akin to Khar in Assamese households, as a staple of the Deshi identity.
A standout moment of the concluding day was the “Fearless Journalism Award” given to journalist Mehtab Uddin Ahmed of India Today NE, recognizing his courageous reporting in Lower Assam. The award was presented by the Central Committee of the Jatiya Parishad and celebrated his commitment to truth in journalism. Shahnawaz Hussain, a former central president of the organization, stressed that journalism is vital for a progressive society and expressed hope that such recognition would inspire youth to value accountability.
The Pushna Utsav, conducted on January 21 and 22, was organized collaboratively by the Central Committee and the Bilasipara district committee of the Sadou Asom Goria-Moria-Deshi Jatiya Parishad. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting an agenda for social reform and inclusive development in Lower Assam.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/kac-cem-jibesh-ray-assures-deshi-community-representation-at-pushna-utsav-in-dhubri-1335182-2026-01-22?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-01-22 19:50:00
