Trade talks  Trade and commerce contribute greatly to the economy of a nation. Coupled with technological advancements, an innovation-friendly environment due to various government initiatives or otherwise create avenues in plenty for business, trade and commerce to thrive. It is heartening that some entrepreneurs are silently, but surely, doing their precious bits in creating a conducive climate for the economy to flourish in the Northeast. The other day Union minister of state for tourism Sultan Ahmed had been to Guwahati. Besides other things, his visit was also viewed as one to promote the Northeast as a tourist destination. Two trade promoters of the region – Rajeev Das and Anoop Khanna – while receiving the minister at the LGBI airport in customary Assamese ways discussed various trade-related matters, and informed him about the initiatives needed to increase tourist flow into the region and urged upon Ahmed to utilize his good office to restart the Guwahati-Bangkok flight which is of vital importance for tourism and trade to take wings in the Northeast.

Academic award  The Guwahati-based Third Eye College of Technology and Management has been named the ‘best performing learning centre in the region’ by Sikkim Manipal University for the second consecutive year. The coveted award, based on the academic performance, cocurricular activities and placements, was presented to Anuj Paliwal, director, Third Eye College by former Indian cricket captain Anil Kumble, the brand ambassador of Sikkim Manipal University. Established in 1996, the college imparts bachelor and master degree courses under Sikkim Manipal Univesity in various disciplines like information technology, management and mass communication and journalism. The college also successfully placed its students in various reputed companies. With a qualified faculty, the college also conducts regular industrial visits and personality development workshops. It is associated with the Third Eye Education that provides latest computer courses. Empanelled by the North Eastern Council to impart training to unemployed youth, it is also the first regional company selected by the Government of Assam to give information and communication technology education in government schools.

Medieval masala  THE ongoing eleventh North East Book Fair at Assam Engineering Institute playground, Chandmari, Guwahati has been attracting visitors and book-buyers in encouraging numbers — thanks also to the controversy surrounding its venue. Visits to the fair a few times have been a pleasure as people, irrespective of age and gender, were seen hopping the stalls with an aim to possess their favourite volumes. Besides the usual craze for books by reputed authors and the children’s books, a heartening feature this time around is the eagerness of a sizeable section of readers to get hold of copies of the volumnous Patkair Ipare Mor Desh authored by promising writer Chandana Goswami. “The subject matter of the book — 13th and 14th century Assam — has a huge relevance to the identity crisis the Assamese society is facing; and we could be in for a new turn for the good or worse, as the incidents these days suggest, and that’s why I’m eager to read the book,” said Utpal Sarma, a degree student who looked concerned over the happenings in the state. It’s good to learn that the youngsters are also craving to learn about the glorious and sordid past of their motherland.

Simanta / Mridumoloy