Born on 31 July 1973 in Guwahati, Assam, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma hails from an industrious family led by her father, Jadav Chandra Bhuyan, a respected industrialist (en.wikipedia.org). She attended St. Mary’s High School before pursuing a BA in Political Science at Cotton College and an LLB at Government Law College, Guwahati (en.wikipedia.org). Her discipline and determination shone early—she represented Assam in national-level tennis competitions (india.com).
👩💼 Career & Achievements
1. Media Enterprise
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Chairperson & MD, Pride East Entertainments Pvt Ltd, the largest media group in Northeast India. It includes the flagship News Live, North East Live, entertainment channels (Ramdhenu, Rang, Indradhanu), the Assamese daily Niyamiya Barta, and digital platform Time8 (en.wikipedia.org).
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Under her leadership since 2008, News Live became the top Assamese news channel (en.wikipedia.org).
2. Social Impact
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Launched Golden Threads of Assam, reviving the indigenous Muga silk and empowering local weavers (bridgeindia.org.uk).
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Founded Sneha Bandhan, a shelter for orphans, and Udayachal, a school for children with special needs (bridgeindia.org.uk).
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Ventured into education with Vandya International School, luxury hospitality, and tea estates, expanding her social footprint .
3. Recognition
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Honored among India Today’s Top 100 Women Achievers, earning the 51st position for her impact on media, culture, and social welfare (indiatodayne.in).
🤵🏽 Personal Life
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Married to Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam’s Chief Minister. The couple met at Cotton College, where Himanta revealed his ambition to be CM—something he achieved much later (en.wikipedia.org).
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The couple has two children: Nandil Biswa Sarma, a law graduate, and Sukanya Sarma (en.wikipedia.org).
📰 Recent News & Controversies
1. Defamation Case Against MP Gaurav Gogoi (Sep 2023)
Accused by MP Gaurav Gogoi of obtaining a ₹10 crore PM Kisan Sampada subsidy through Pride East. She denied ever applying for or receiving subsidies and filed a ₹10 crore defamation suit (en.wikipedia.org).
2. Land Reclassification Allegations (Sep 2023)
Charges surfaced that Pride East acquired agricultural land, reclassified it as industrial, and used political leverage. The Sarma family dismissed these claims as politically motivated (socialnews.xyz).
3. Defamation Against Manish Sisodia (Jun 2022)
Filed civil defamation claims against Delhi's former Deputy CM over allegations regarding COVID-era PPE deals. She stated transactions were CSR donations, not corrupt contracts (indiatodayne.in).
4. Defamation of Lawyer Upamanyu Hazarika (Feb 2025)
Following his criticism of the NH-715 highway diversion benefiting her media company, she initiated a case against him. He dismissed it as an attempt to quash dissent .
5. Defamation vs. Congress Leader Mira Borthakur (Jun 2025)
Filed a criminal defamation lawsuit after accusations of soliciting temple donations. The case will be heard in July, as she maintains innocence (indiatodayne.in).
⚖️ Summary of Controversies
| Year | Allegations | Response & Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Rs 10 cr subsidy & land use controversy | Denied charges; defamation suit against Gaurav Gogoi |
| 2022 | Corruption in Delhi PPE procurement | Claimed CSR donation; threatened defamation suit |
| 2025 | Highway diversion & donations from temples | Filed suit vs Hazarika; upcoming court hearing vs Borthakur |
Despite public scrutiny, Riniki remains resolute: “False, baseless and defamatory”—with litigation ongoing.
🎯 Interesting Facts
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Former state-level tennis player, representing Assam nationally.
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Her first initiative, News Live (2008), transformed local journalism.
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A pioneer in Muga silk revival—Golden Threads supports Assam’s artisans (en.wikipedia.org, bridgeindia.org.uk).
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Runs impactful NGOs—Sneha Bandhan and Udayachal.
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Featured among the Top 100 Women Achievers in India, highlighting her leadership (indiatodayne.in).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Riniki Bhuyan Sharma's educational background?
A. She holds a BA in Political Science from Cotton College and an LLB from Government Law College, Guwahati (en.wikipedia.org).
Q. What media outlets does she oversee?
A. She leads Pride East Entertainments: News Live, North East Live, Ramdhenu, Rang, Indradhanu, Niyamiya Barta, and Time8 (en.wikipedia.org).
Q. What are the main controversies involving Riniki?
A. Accusations include receiving a ₹10 cr subsidy, land-use change, COVID PPE procurement, highway diversion, and collection of temple funds. She has consistently denied wrongdoing and pursued defamation actions .
Q. What social projects does she support?
A. She initiated Golden Threads (Muga silk), Sneha Bandhan (orphans), Udayachal (specially-abled children), Vandya International School, and more (bridgeindia.org.uk).
Q. How has she been recognized?
A. In 2023, India Today honored her among India’s top 100 women achievers .
✍️ Final Thoughts
Riniki Bhuyan Sharma stands at a unique junction where media leadership, entrepreneurship, and social welfare converge. She is not just the spouse of a powerful political figure but a self-made force, steering Northeast India’s cultural narrative and forging avenues for community upliftment.
Her ventures—spanning journalism, education, heritage crafts, and philanthropy—showcase her multi-dimensional presence. Amid controversies, she persists in shaping Assam's voice, vision, and values.
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