FIRST ENCOUNTER

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On 15th February, 2021, I arrived in North Salmara, a sub-division of Bongaigaon district in Assam. This was in connection with my first posting as Assistant Commissioner in the Assam Civil Services. 

I was born and brought up in Guwahati, did most of my studies there. Even my last five years were spent as working in the capacity of an assistant in Income Tax Department, during which I remained mostly in the headquarters. 

Many of my friends and family members were cynical as to how I would react to the new place given my ‘sort of urban lifestyle’. But soon their doubts turned out baseless. 

I stayed in the sub-divisonal Circuit House in Abhayapuri during the initial few days. If first impression is the best impression, then this new place had got me at the outset. I went out for long walks and occasional runs  in the morning. It was blissful. The clear air and untouched nature in the vicinity was almost medicinal.



With an area of around 16.06 square kilometres, and population of around 5785 (last census), North Salmara is a place of pristine natural landscapes and peaceful ambiance. Abhayapuri is the nearest railway station as well as the sub-divisional head-quarters, where I was about to pitch my tent for the coming days.   











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