Focus on education, culture as Rabha councils meet along Assam–Meghalaya border

Emphasising community development, cultural preservation and women’s empowerment, the Rabha National Council (RNC) and the Rabha National Women’s Council (RNWC) held their annual sessions at Lalmati in Boko, Kamrup district, along the Assam–Meghalaya border. The two-day programme brought together community leaders, elected representatives and grassroots members to deliberate on the socio-economic progress of the Rabha community.

The event, organised with the support of the Nalapara Rabha National Branch Council, was hosted at the playground of the Lalmati Regional Youth Association. It featured vibrant traditional dance performances alongside structured discussions on education, cultural identity and the expanding role of Rabha women in social transformation.

The sessions marked the 151st Luki Mouza Rabha National Council and the 34th Luki Mouza Rabha National Women’s Council, reflecting the long-standing institutional efforts of the community to strengthen collective participation and development planning.

The concluding day witnessed a felicitation ceremony attended by several dignitaries, including Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania and Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Chairman Sonaram Rabha. Addressing the gathering, Sonaram Rabha highlighted key developmental initiatives undertaken by the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, including the establishment of a Rabha language research centre at Gauhati University.

He further informed that special coaching facilities in New Delhi have been arranged to assist Rabha students in preparing for competitive examinations such as the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), aimed at improving representation in public services.

As part of the felicitation programme, students from Luki Mouza who secured first division in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary examinations were honoured. Retired teachers and government employees from the region were also felicitated in recognition of their lifelong contributions to education and public service.