In a ceremony marked by pride, optimism, and a deep sense of community spirit, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya released the special Doordarshan News publication Good News Assam at Lok Bhavan in Guwahati. Formerly known as Raj Bhavan, the newly renamed Lok Bhavan served as a symbolic and meaningful venue for the event, reflecting the government’s vision of participatory governance and its commitment to bringing administrative institutions closer to the people they serve.

Good News Assam is an extension of the successful Doordarshan News programme of the same name, a weekly show that has, over more than 50 episodes, documented stories of individuals and communities whose actions embody hope, resilience, innovation, and service. The newly launched book compiles 55 of the programme’s most compelling stories, offering a panoramic view of Assam’s ongoing transformation across multiple spheres. The publication has been curated to demonstrate how seemingly small acts—whether in social service, entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, or community leadership—collectively contribute to the state’s larger developmental journey.

Governor Acharya, addressing the audience, commended the vision behind Good News Assam and highlighted its significance not just as a media initiative but as a document of contemporary social history. He observed that the publication brings together narratives that capture the essence of the human spirit—its capacity to innovate, uplift, and persevere even in the face of challenges. According to him, one of the distinguishing features of the initiative is its focus on everyday heroes. These are individuals who may never appear in mainstream headlines yet make powerful contributions toward strengthening the social fabric.

He noted that such people often work silently, far from the spotlight, and their efforts are rarely acknowledged at a wider level. By giving them visibility, Good News Assam offers the recognition they deserve and inspires others to participate in constructive social action. Governor Acharya described the book as “a valuable documentation of Assam’s positive transformation,” stressing that the stories included in it will play an important role in shaping the aspirations and awareness of future generations. He said that young readers, in particular, would find in these stories examples of courage, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare.

The governor further emphasized that the programme does more than simply narrate inspirational stories; it effectively communicates how various welfare schemes introduced by the central and state governments are being implemented at the ground level. Through its episodes, Good News Assam showcases improvements in critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, digital governance, women’s empowerment, infrastructure, and community development. Acharya stated that such programmes help bridge the gap between policy and people by demonstrating tangible outcomes and reinforcing the idea that government initiatives can bring about meaningful change when implemented with sincerity and community involvement.

Drawing a parallel with the Prime Minister’s widely followed radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Governor Acharya said that Good News Assam strengthens participatory development by giving recognition to individuals whose contributions inspire society. Just as Mann Ki Baat has created a platform for sharing stories of innovation and public service from across the country, Good News Assam does the same at the state level, encouraging collective action and societal progress. He said the publication has the potential to serve as a catalyst for further positive change by motivating citizens to engage more actively in efforts to uplift their communities.

Governor Acharya also discussed the broader vision of Lok Bhavan, the newly named official residence that hosted the event. The renaming of Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan, he said, is not a cosmetic change but a symbolic gesture that reflects the government’s firm commitment to governance that prioritizes public participation and welfare. He said the change underscores a shift toward more inclusive and people-centric administration, where institutions traditionally associated with authority are re-envisioned as spaces that belong to the public and work in their direct interest.

He highlighted several ongoing initiatives supported by Lok Bhavan, including programmes aimed at youth skill development, leadership training, environmental protection, and the promotion of natural farming. These initiatives, he said, reflect Assam’s dedication to nurturing its human potential and ensuring equitable development. Youth training programmes are designed to empower the next generation with practical skills and leadership abilities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society. Environmental protection initiatives reflect the state’s commitment to preserving its natural resources, while the promotion of natural farming aligns with the growing recognition of sustainable agricultural practices.

The governor stated that Lok Bhavan’s role extends far beyond administrative functions; it acts as a hub for encouraging citizen-driven development. He emphasized that the stories highlighted in Good News Assam align seamlessly with this philosophy, as they exemplify how ordinary individuals can spark extraordinary change through determination, empathy, and innovative thinking. By publishing these stories, the Doordarshan team not only documents Assam’s progress but also aligns with the broader goal of building a society where contributions of all scales and forms are valued.

During the ceremony, Governor Acharya expressed appreciation for the journalists, producers, and researchers behind Doordarshan’s Good News Assam programme. He acknowledged the challenges involved in traveling to remote areas, gathering accurate information, and bringing forward narratives that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Their dedication, he said, ensured that viewers and readers across the state and the country could witness stories that celebrate human potential and community strength.

The publication of Good News Assam comes at a time when positive reporting is particularly significant. Governor Acharya noted that in a world often dominated by negative news, initiatives that consciously spotlight progress and goodwill play an essential role in shaping public perception and morale. Positive stories, he said, do not ignore challenges but highlight the pathways through which such challenges can be overcome. They provide hope, direction, and a reminder that society is full of individuals committed to making a difference.

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: Good News Assam is more than a book. It is a celebration of the people of Assam, a testament to their resilience and aspiration, and a record of the transformative work happening across the state. Through this publication, Doordarshan has contributed a meaningful resource that will not only inspire readers today but also serve as a historical archive of Assam’s ongoing journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.