HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Nov 16: The Bodo Sahitya Sabha celebrated its 73rd Foundation Day on Saturday as Bodo Thunlai Saan across the districts of Bodoland Territorial Region and the state of Assam.
Besides the state, the Bodo Sahitya Sabha in association with the All Bodo Students Union centrally celebrated the Bodo Thunlai Saan at the SAI Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
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Bodo Sahitya Sabha president, Dr Surath Narzary, ceremonially hoisted the Sabha flag followed by the floral tributes to the martyrs by Bodo Sahitya Sabha vice president, Sitaram Basumatary.
The occasion celebrated the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Bodo community, highlighting the Sabha’s contributions to preserving and promoting the Bodo language and literature.
All Bodo Students Union president, Dipen Boro, cabinet minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha president, Ramesh Bhardwaj, and representatives from various organisations as well as the public participated in the program.
A grand cultural rally was organised in connection with the celebration of Bodoland Mohotsov on Saturday to mark the foundation of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha.
Lok Sabha MP, Joyanta Basumatary flagged off the cultural rally amidst the presence of Pramod Boro, the Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Region, MPs Rwngwra Narzary, Dilip Kumar Saikia, and several other dignitaries.
A seminar on the language, education, and culture of the Bodos was also held on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the vibrant Bodoland Mohotsav began on Friday at the SAI Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the two-day event.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined virtually, while several dignitaries, including Assam Governor, BTR Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, Bodo Sahitya Sabha president Dr Surath Narzary, ABSU president Dipen Boro, cabinet minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, and MPs Rwngwra Narzary and Joyanta Basumatary, were in attendance.
The Mohotsav, themed “Ethos of Peace & Harmony: An Integral Part for Nation Building,” highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Bodoland through traditional Bagurumba and Dahal-Thungri dance performances. Exhibits showcased Bodo musical instruments, 21 authentic food items, and GI-tagged traditional costumes, reflecting the community’s deep cultural roots.
Prime Minister Modi termed the event an emotional moment, recalling his visit to Kokrajhar after the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020. “The love and affection I received from the Bodo people remain etched in my heart. The day of the Peace Accord was a moment of peace and happiness, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Bodoland,” he remarked.
He praised the Bodo community for creating history by choosing peace and development over conflict, inspiring other regions to follow their example. Referring to over 10,000 youth who renounced violence, he said, “Guns never brought peace, but the path adopted by the Bodos has led to lasting harmony.”
Highlighting the rapid progress in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), PM Modi revealed that the central and state governments have allocated ₹ 1,500 crore for BTR’s development, with ₹ 5 lakh assistance provided to former members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).
“From hosting two editions of the Durand Cup to literary festivals, Kokrajhar is becoming a hub of culture and sports,” he said.
He also lauded Bodo craftsmanship and tourism, emphasising their integral role in Assam’s and India’s tourism potential. “Bodoland is at the heart of Assam’s tourism, just as Assam is the strength of India’s tourism.”
PM Modi paid tribute to Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, recognising their contributions to Bodo identity and unity. “There are no more tears in the eyes of Bodo mothers—only the sparkle of hope and development,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the aspirations of the Bodo people, stating, “I am here to thank you all and to say ‘pranaam’ to your families. The government is leaving no stone unturned for BTR’s development and is working towards everlasting peace in the Northeast.”
