Guwahati, Jan 16: Experts at a webinar held said Assam’s youth have the potential to become a major force behind industrialisation, job creation and entrepreneurship, provided policy backing, industry participation and skill-focused education are strengthened in a sustained manner. The discussion, titled “Assam’s Youth and Viksit Bharat 2047: Pathways to Industrialisation, Employment and Entrepreneurship”, brought together voices from industry, academia, media and the development sector to examine how the state’s demographic advantage can be converted into long-term economic gains.
The webinar was organised by ACTION NGO and the Forum for Indian Journalists on Education, Environment, Health & Agriculture (FIJEEHA) in collaboration with the National Service Scheme Cell, Gauhati University, with support from Cairn Oil & Gas. Speakers noted that more than one-third of Assam’s population falls in the 15–34 age bracket, giving the state a demographic edge that could drive economic transformation if aligned with targeted skilling and industrial opportunities.
The conversation echoed the broader national vision articulated during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, where Narendra Modi highlighted the role of youth in shaping India’s development trajectory. Drawing from this context, Pranjit Tamuli of the Indian Chamber of Commerce stressed that long-term engagement by industries is essential to generate local employment and build a resilient economy in Assam.
Focusing on education and employability, Dr Ranjan K. Kakati from Gauhati University’s NSS Cell said youth development must go beyond classroom learning. Referring to the National Education Policy, he underlined the importance of skill development, experiential learning and practical exposure to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry needs. Independent journalist Chandrani Sinha pointed to signs of reverse migration, observing that improving industrial and employment conditions are motivating young people to return to the state.
Entrepreneurship emerged as a key theme during the discussion, particularly in sectors linked to local resources and cultural strengths. Textile entrepreneur Priyanka D. Patwari said a supportive ecosystem could enable Assam’s youth to build sustainable enterprises that generate jobs within the state. Development sector expert Mriganku Bahak highlighted the need for inclusive growth, noting that industrial progress should also uplift rural and semi-urban communities to create balanced development.
Participants said the webinar fostered constructive dialogue between youth, academia, industry and civil society, reinforcing the idea that industries must act as long-term partners in Assam’s growth journey. Speakers also cited initiatives by companies like Cairn Oil & Gas in areas such as digital education, mental well-being programmes, cultural support and sports promotion as examples of how corporate participation can align with youth empowerment and the state’s broader development goals.
