Gohpur, November 8, 2025: Assam took a major step toward strengthening its higher education and technology ecosystem on Saturday as Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, laid the foundation stone and performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University at Bholaguri Tea Estate in Gohpur.
The proposed university, spread across 731 bighas of land and to be developed at an estimated cost of ₹415 crore, is envisioned as a world-class institution dedicated to emerging technologies and advanced research. The university will focus on Industry 4.0 disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Quantum Computing, Robotics, Data Science, and other smart technologies, equipping students with skills required for the future global economy.
The foundation ceremony was held in Gohpur, a place of immense historical significance as the birthplace of Assam's freedom icons Swahid Kanaklata Barua and Jyotiprasad Agarwala. In a symbolic tribute to the state's unity and heritage, the Bhoomi Pujan incorporated sacred soil collected from every village of Assam through the #AmritKalashYatra, representing the collective aspirations of the people.
Addressing the gathering, Union Finance Minister Sitharaman praised Assam's rapid progress in education, infrastructure, and innovation, stating that institutions like the new university would help prepare the next generation of leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Chief Minister Sarma described the project as "a defining step towards transforming Assam into an educational hub", emphasizing the government's commitment to building globally competitive educational institutions.
Named after Swahid Kanaklata Barua, Assam's youngest martyr in the freedom struggle, the university aims to foster innovation, promote international academic collaborations, and create a vibrant ecosystem for research and technological advancement.
Once completed, the institution is expected to emerge as a premier centre of excellence in Northeast India, attracting students, researchers, and faculty from across the country and abroad while contributing significantly to India's vision of becoming a global leader in technology, innovation, and knowledge-based development.
