Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged students to have faith in democratic traditions and lend their hand to strengthen the edifice of democratic credentials of the country.

Interacting with a group of students from Cotton College, Nowgong College and Dr Birinchi Kumar Barooah College of Puranigudam at the Central Hall of Assam assembly here, Sonowal said "The future of our nation hinges on the students."

"Today's students will be tomorrow's leaders ... Respect of the democratic traditions will enable students to strengthen the base of our democratic idiosyncrasies which will help them to work in synergy to propel growth of our country," he said.

The students were invited to the assembly to witness the presentation of the state budget 2017-18.

 Sonowal also exhorted them to work with honesty, dedication and commitment to excel in their pursuit of life.  Former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, ministers Chandra Mohan Patowary and Naba Kumar Doley, besides several MLAs also interacted with the students and shared their experiences.