Cricket fans at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara witnessed a unique humanitarian initiative ahead of the Assam Premier League (APL) match between Guwahati Royals and Jorhat Stallions on Tuesday, as a RoboDog carrying a placard reading "Assam Needs You" accompanied the players onto the field before the start of the game.
The RoboDog later moved around designated areas inside the stadium, drawing the attention of spectators and television audiences alike. The initiative was designed to use the visibility of a major sporting event to highlight the continuing challenges faced by thousands of families affected by this year's floods in Assam.
While the match entertained cricket fans, the message served as a reminder that many flood-hit communities across the state are still struggling to rebuild their lives and continue to require support, compassion and solidarity.
The "Assam Needs You" campaign appealed to citizens, institutions and organisations across the country to contribute, in whatever way possible, towards ongoing relief, rehabilitation and recovery efforts. With the match being broadcast live, the initiative also aimed to take the message of Assam's flood recovery to a wider national audience.
This year's floods have affected several districts across Assam after heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries inundated large areas. Thousands of families have been displaced, while government agencies and disaster response teams continue relief, rehabilitation and restoration work in the affected regions. Even as floodwaters have receded in many areas, several communities remain in need of assistance to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and recover from the disaster.
The distinctive sight of the RoboDog carrying the humanitarian message stood out as a symbol of hope and collective responsibility, reminding spectators that the impact of the floods extends well beyond the headlines.
The initiative was facilitated by Guwahati Royals with the support of the Assam Premier League management, reflecting an effort to use the platform of sport to raise awareness about an issue affecting people across the state.
Beyond the excitement on the cricket field, the campaign reinforced the message that Assam's recovery remains a shared responsibility and that continued public support is essential to help flood-affected families rebuild their lives.
