Marking the 75th birthday celebrations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of Assam launched ‘Sewa Saptah’ on September 17 with a mega blood donation camp followed by a series of citizen-centric service related programmes such as mega health camp, State-wide plantation drive, felicitation of young writers, distribution of nutrition baskets to TB patients, distribution of land allotment certifications and the final ceremonial launch of Orunodoi 3.0.
On the inaugural day, the State Health & Family Welfare Department in collaboration with the Assam State Blood Transfusion Council conducted 75 blood donation camps which witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across all walks of life.
The noble initiative led to the collection of 3,167 units of blood, reflecting the collective spirit of service and responsibility towards society, while also strengthening the healthcare preparedness of the State.
On the second day of the initiative, Susrusha Setu The Mega Health Camp began across all LACs in Assam which included free screening by specialist doctors, free investigations & medicines, wellness activities, focus on children below 18 years, and screening for over 50 diseases.
On September 19, the Government of Assam observed Together for a Greener Tomorrow – Green Assam Drive. As a part of the initiative, over 30 lakh saplings were distributed across the State, with plantation drives taking place in cities, towns, and villages. A special focus was given to 20,000 schools, where 75 saplings were planted in each of these institution. Taking a step further, District Administration, Lakhimpur, in collaboration with MGNREGA and the Forest Department, Lakhimpur organised a massive plantation under the Phukan Doloni Bird and Ecological Project Restoration Project. The programme witnessed active participation of students from 75 schools across the district.
The programme had to be suspended due to the demise of legendary singer Zubeen Garg on September 19 for which the Government of Assam declared three-day State mourning with the postponement of Sewa Saptah programmes as a mark of respect.
Announcing this, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota posted in X, “In loving memory of Assam’s eternal voice, Zubeen Garg . As a mark of respect, HCM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed that State Mourning be declared from 20th to 22nd September 2025. During this period, all official entertainment, ceremonial programs and public celebrations will be in abeyance. The Assam Government stands in solidarity with the people in mourning beloved Zubeen. His legacy will forever resonate in our hearts. Essential service activities under ‘Sewa Saptah’ will continue, while ceremonial or benefit-distribution events stand postponed.”
Accordingly, Health camps, Nikshay Mitra support for TB patients, and plantation drives continued.
Following the schedule, on September 22, Nikshay Mitra support for TB patients was held across the State. Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, nutrition baskets were distributed among the TB patients. Public representatives, Government officials handed over baskets to the needy.
Taking part in the initiative, MP Parimal Suklabaidya stated, “Today, as part of the Seva Saptah initiative under the Nikshay Mitra programme, we come together not only to extend nutritional support to TB patients through the distribution of food baskets—but also to honor a soul whose voice and values have uplifted millions: Zubeen Garg. On this special day, we dedicate our efforts to his spirit of compassion and community service. His commitment to helping others mirrors the very essence of the Nikshay Mitra initiative—where citizens step forward to support TB patients with dignity and care.”
Lauding the efforts, State Health Minister Ashok Singhal shared in X, “Under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA), Ni-kshay Mitra food supplement distribution programmes are reaching those in need across Assam, supporting TB patients in their recovery journey. Together, we move closer to a TB-free Assam.”
Nikshay Mitra initiative encourages community participation in supporting tuberculosis (TB) patients. It provides nutritional, additional diagnostic or other support to consented TB patients to help them complete their treatment and reduce the stigma associated with this disease.
