In May, our team at Insight set out to explore the beautiful state of Assam, nestled along the majestic Brahmaputra River. What we initially thought would be a quick work assignment soon transformed into a captivating docu-series—one filled with unforgettable memories and a treasure hunt through Assam’s rich cultural and geographical heritage.

Our journey began in Guwahati, with our car packed and ready, and our first stop was the Assam Skill University.

Assam Skill University
Established to meet the evolving skill demands of the state, Assam Skill University offers education in emerging fields such as manufacturing (including Industry 4.0), services, automobiles, IT, healthcare, construction, banking, hospitality, tourism, and agriculture. The university’s Chancellor and Assam’s Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, beautifully captured the essence of its mission:

“The evolution of human history is marked by significant breakthroughs. Skilling the human hand is one such sacred phase of human development. The human hand—with its long, dexterous fingers and opposable thumb—holds the power to create wonders.”

At the university, we were introduced to some of Assam’s most cherished Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, including Joha rice, Boka rice, Judima wine, Kaji Nemu, and Karbi Anglong ginger.

Joha Rice
Grown in Assam’s Garo Hills, Joha rice is celebrated for its sweet aroma and taste. Locally known as Mi Jaha, this rice comes in several traditional varieties such as Kola Joha, Boga Joha, Ramphal Joha, and Keteki Joha. Packed with antioxidants, Joha rice has seen rising demand internationally, especially in Vietnam.

Boka Chaul (Magic Rice)
Also known as “Magic Rice,” Boka Chaul is a wonder of simplicity—it requires only a brief soak in water before it’s ready to eat. The term Boka Chaul literally means “soft rice” in Assamese and dates back to the Ahom Dynasty.
(Is it because the Mughals never ate Boka Chaul that they couldn’t defeat the Ahoms? Well, we’ll never know!)

Judima Wine
A traditional rice wine brewed by the Dimasa tribe using steamed glutinous rice and a local herb called Thembra, Judima is sweet and distinct in flavor. Its recipe and cultural significance have been lovingly passed down through generations—a legacy preserved in every goblet.

Kaji Nemu
Declared the state fruit of Assam, the GI-certified Kaji Nemu is deeply embedded in Assamese identity. Its distinctive taste makes it a household essential—so much so that even the mildly bitter rind is often chewed. In Assam, when someone says nemu (the Assamese word for lemon), they’re almost always referring to this beloved variety.

Karbi Anglong Ginger
Known for its sharp pungency and distinct aroma, Karbi Anglong ginger enhances the flavor of everything from dishes to a strong cup of kadak chai. Granted GI-tag status in 2014, it is cultivated organically by tribal farmers in the Singhasan Hills using traditional Jhum and Tila methods.

Our next destination was Sarthebari, home to Assam’s famed bell-metal craft. Here, we had the privilege of meeting Mr. Haridas Das, recipient of the Assam Gaurav award. He offered us an exclusive look into his workshop, where he crafts stunning pieces from an alloy of copper and tin. Known locally as Kahar or Orja, these artisans produce items that are used both domestically and in religious rituals. Haridas ji’s intricate craftsmanship has earned him a well-deserved place among Assam’s most celebrated citizens, honored by the state’s civilian awards—Assam Baibhav, Assam Saurav, and Assam Gaurav.

Driving through the scenic Kaziranga National Park, we made our way to Jorhat, where we visited CSIR-NEIST, a premier research institution overseen by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Dr. Virendra Tiwari, Director of CSIR-NEIST, introduced us to the Floriculture and Aroma Missions—ambitious projects aimed at transforming Assam’s agricultural landscape. These missions are part of a broader national vision to make Assam economically self-reliant and globally competitive.

Our journey then took us to CMER&TI, an institute dedicated to research and development in Eri and Muga silk. We explored their labs, climate adaptation projects, and innovations in sericulture—many of which are now being implemented in states like Gujarat.

Of course, no trip to Assam is complete without experiencing its legendary tea. We headed to Bahoni tea farms, where the aroma of tea hangs thick in the air. The rolling hills covered with tea bushes are a sight to behold. We learned how to identify premium tea, the nuances of plucking techniques, and delved into the world of GI-tagged Assam Orthodox Tea. The experience was both aromatic and enlightening.

Next, we journeyed to Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Flanked on three sides by the Brahmaputra and bordered on the fourth by the Subansiri River, Majuli was declared India’s first river island district in 2016. Accessible by ferry from Jorhat, the island is a vibrant hub of art and tradition.

Here, we met Padma Shri Hemchandra Goswami, who has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient art of mask-making and manuscript illustration. His globally respected work is even housed in the British Museum. We also met Jamini Payeng, who offered us a deep dive into Assamese handloom traditions—particularly the GI-tagged handloom of the Mising (originally Meri) tribe. The vibrant colors and patterns left us mesmerized.

Assam, the first state in our Exploring India series, exceeded all expectations. Every sense was engaged—from the rich tastes and textures to the visual splendor and heartfelt stories. It’s no wonder that the tagline of Assam Tourism is Awesome Assam—because it truly is awesome.

Join us as we continue this journey across India, unearthing the hidden treasures that make our country so incredibly diverse and beautiful.

In the debut episode of Exploring India with Suhani Mardia, Insight Media takes you on a vibrant and eye-opening journey into the lush landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Assam — a state nestled in the lap of Northeast India. Known for its biodiversity, unique traditions, and historical significance, Assam is also home to a treasure trove of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products and indigenous crafts that rarely get the spotlight they deserve.

This episode begins with a deep dive into Assam’s culinary and agricultural heritage. From the nutty and soft texture of Boka Chaul (soft rice) to the tangy punch of Kaji Nemu (Assamese lemon), the region’s palette is as diverse as its people. We also explore Judima Wine, a traditional rice wine from the Dimasa tribe, Joha Rice, known for its fragrant aroma, and even Black Rice of neighboring Manipur, a powerhouse of nutrition. These GI-tagged items are not just ingredients; they are cultural symbols, reflecting centuries of farming innovation and culinary evolution.

To better understand these marvels, Suhani sits down with professors from Assam Skill University, who shed light on the science, sustainability, and socio-economic importance of these products. Their insights help bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern agricultural practices, underscoring why these regional specialties deserve global recognition.

From taste to texture to technique — the journey then takes us to Sarthebari, a village renowned for its ancient Bell Metal Craft. Here, we enter the workshop of Mr. Haridas Das, a recipient of the prestigious Assam Gaurav Award, who opens up about the struggles and survival of this age-old art. Watching the molten metal take shape into traditional utensils and decor is nothing short of mesmerizing — a living heritage in action.

The adventure continues as Suhani and the crew travel through the breathtaking Kaziranga wilderness, home to the famous one-horned rhinoceros, soaking in the tranquil beauty of Assam’s vast grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests.

In Jorhat, the scientific and economic heartbeat of the region, the team visits CSIR-NEIST (North East Institute of Science and Technology). Led by Dr. Virendra Tiwari, the institute is playing a key role in the Floriculture and Aroma Missions, both initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These missions are not just about flowers and fragrances — they are about economic empowerment, self-reliance, and positioning Assam on the global map of scientific agriculture and innovation.

This episode is more than just a travelogue — it’s a celebration of Assam’s hidden potential, the synergy of tradition and technology, and the government’s focused push through CSIR and the Ministry of DoNER to uplift Northeast India.

The April 22, 2025, massacre in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, has brought to light the vulnerabilities surrounding the use of commercial satellite imagery for intelligence. A major U.S. satellite imagery provider, Maxar Technologies, has come under scrutiny after a surge in orders for high-resolution images of Pahalgam and surrounding areas, with multiple requests placed in the months leading up to the attack. The incident has raised critical questions about the risks posed by the easy availability of such imagery, the vetting process for international partners, and the implications for national security.

Surge in Orders for Pahalgam Imagery

Maxar Technologies, a leader in high-definition satellite imagery, experienced an unusual spike in orders for images of Pahalgam between June 2024 and February 2025. Orders for high-resolution images, essential for military surveillance and infrastructure monitoring, peaked in February 2025, with a final order placed just ten days before the attack. While the identities of the clients behind these orders remain unknown, the coincidence of their timing with the attack has sparked suspicions among defense analysts. Though no direct link has been established between these orders and the terrorist assault, experts have expressed concern that such detailed imagery could have been exploited to plan the attack.

Business Systems International Pvt Ltd (BSI) and Maxar’s Partnership

Adding complexity to the situation is Maxar’s partnership with Business Systems International Pvt Ltd (BSI), a Pakistani geospatial firm owned by Obaidullah Syed, a convicted Pakistani-American businessman. Syed was sentenced in 2022 for illegally exporting high-performance computing equipment to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), a body responsible for Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs. Despite Syed’s criminal background, BSI remained a partner with Maxar.

The partnership raised alarms due to BSI’s role in sensitive exports, and its continued involvement with Maxar after Syed’s conviction became a point of concern. Though there is no evidence that BSI placed the orders for Pahalgam imagery, the timing and the firm’s history raised questions about the adequacy of Maxar’s vetting process for its international partners. After the controversy erupted, Maxar removed BSI from its partner list, though this action came only after the media attention.

Maxar’s Response and Accountability

Maxar Technologies denied that BSI placed orders for Pahalgam imagery and emphasized that it does not share client information without permission. However, the company’s delayed response to the issue and its weak vetting process for international partners have drawn criticism. The case underscores the growing risks posed by commercial satellite imagery, which is increasingly available to anyone willing to pay for it. Without adequate checks, this powerful tool can be misused by rogue elements or adversaries to carry out hostile activities, as was allegedly the case in Pahalgam.

Risks to National Security

The Pahalgam incident highlights the security risks of relying on foreign satellite imagery providers. While such imagery is indispensable for military and surveillance operations, the availability of high-resolution images to commercial clients increases the potential for misuse. As more private space-tech companies enter the market, governments must ensure stronger regulations and safeguards surrounding the use of geospatial data, especially in sensitive regions.

India, which heavily depends on foreign space-tech companies for geospatial intelligence, must take a proactive approach to secure its data. This could involve developing self-reliant systems for satellite surveillance or pushing for international regulations on the trade of high-resolution imagery.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Surveillance Practices

The Pahalgam satellite imagery controversy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the global surveillance landscape. While Maxar Technologies has removed BSI from its partner list, the incident raises larger questions about the commercial availability of sensitive satellite data and the need for stricter controls. Governments must tighten regulations and ensure that foreign satellite providers uphold stringent security standards to prevent misuse by hostile actors. This incident is a call to action for the international community to establish robust protocols for managing the risks associated with satellite surveillance.