Assam flood video of children drying soaked books goes viral; Govt announces free replacement textbooks

A heart-wrenching video of children in flood-hit Assam carefully drying their soaked textbooks and notebooks under the sun has gone viral on social media, prompting the state government to announce free replacement textbooks for affected students.

The viral clip shows children spreading their mud-stained notebooks, textbooks and other study materials across dry stretches of road after floodwaters receded. Many of the books had been salvaged from waterlogged homes, with students hoping they could still be used despite the damage.

The video struck an emotional chord online, with many praising the children's determination to continue their education despite the devastation caused by the floods.

"The student knows importance of education ever," one social media user wrote.

Another commented, "Every year the same tragedy. The government must take strict action and implement permanent flood control measures so no child has to suffer like this again."

A third user wrote, "We fought for education reforms and accountability. This is the spirit of youth, books being dried, knowledge is the biggest treasure. Stay strong Assam. This will pass. Help is on the way."

Responding to the widespread damage to students' learning materials, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu announced that the government will provide free replacement textbooks to all students affected by the floods.

Sharing the update on X, Pegu said the textbooks would be distributed as soon as schools reopen to ensure students can continue their education without interruption.

"The textbooks will be dispatched as soon as schools reopen, ensuring that students can resume their learning without disruption. Education must continue, even in the face of adversity," he said.

Assam has been reeling under relentless monsoon rains over the past week, with overflowing rivers inundating several districts and forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Districts including Nagaon, Cachar and Barpeta are among the worst affected, with floodwaters submerging vast areas, damaging homes and disrupting road connectivity. Amid the destruction, the viral video has become a symbol of resilience, highlighting the value children place on education even during one of the state's recurring natural disasters.