In an utterly disgraceful display of neglect, Uma Chetry, a member of the Indian women’s cricket team that recently won the World Cup, returned to her home state of Assam last night, only to be met with near-zero official recognition at Guwahati Airport.
Despite her historic achievement and a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uma was not greeted by representatives of the state government. Only a handful of members from local Gorkha organizations were present to welcome the champion.
Assam Sports Minister Nandita Garlosa told Northeast Scoop that she and her department were not informed about Uma’s arrival. “Had we been informed, we would have definitely gone to welcome her,” she said. But this statement has created another criticism: what kind of sports minister does not know the arrival time of a national icon who brought pride, honor and laurel to the state especially when the minister herself is a woman? 
Speaking exclusively to Northeast Scoop, All Assam Gorkha Students Union president Sunil Chetri condemned the lapse, saying, “It is deeply unfortunate that Uma didn’t receive the proper welcome she truly deserves. This is a matter of great concern and a shame for Assam. Uma Chetry is not just the pride of our state; she is the pride of our country.”
The embarrassment has raised questions about the BJP government in Assam. Despite having prominent Gorkha leaders in the state administration and the Gorkha Development Council (GDC) functioning under BJP rule, this national shame occurred. What were the Chief Minister and the Sports Minister doing while a World Cup champion returned home? Why did the government fail to arrange even a basic felicitation? Citizens on social media are calling it “utterly disgusting” and “unforgivable.”
