Here, a few words about the Sylhet-Assam syndrome may not be inappropriate. Prior to 1814 AD, Sylhet was not included in Assam. But when the Chief Commissionership of Assam was created in 1814 AD, Sylhet was incorporated in the new province. Since then, the Sylheti middle class used to oppose or criticize any move from Assam s improvement. With the passage of time this attitude became more glaring and insistent.
Every action has a reaction of equal force and in the opposite direction.
This became the scenario in Assam till the establishment of Cotton College. Here a blunt truth has to be bluntly stated. Immediately after the Government decision to sponsor the Murari Chand College came to be known, a band of Assamese intellectuals held a public meeting and took a unanimous decision that public agitation and pressure should immediately be mounted. If need arises, public donations equaling, if not exceeding, the public contribution for Murari Chand College should be collected and the urgency for the immediate establishment of at least a second grade college be effectively placed and pressed before the Government. The response they received from the Chief Commissioner was very positive and full of warmth.