HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, May 1: The 36th death anniversary of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma was solemnly observed on Friday at his burial site at Thulungapuri, Dotma in Kokrajhar district with befitting programmes.
The programme was jointly organised by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust (UNBT) and the All Bodo Students’ Union, with support from the BTC administration.
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The observance began with the ceremonial half-mast hoisting of the ABSU flag by ABSU president Khwrwmdao Wary. Leaders and members of various organisations gathered to pay floral tributes to Bodofa, remembering his contributions to the Bodo community and his role in shaping its modern political and social identity.
Among those present were BTC Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary, Deputy Chief Executive Member Rihon Daimary, former CEM of BTR and Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Boro, ABSU president Khwrwmdao Wary, General Secretary Khanindra Basumatary, Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary, MLA Lawrence Islary and other dignitaries.
Later, Hagrama Mohilary visited Bodofa’s ancestral home at Boragari village and met with his family members.
Speakers at the programme highlighted Bodofa’s enduring legacy as a visionary leader who championed the cause of the Bodo people during a period of political uncertainty and social challenges in Assam. They recalled his commitment to building the Bodos as a distinct and dignified nationality rooted in language, culture and identity.
“Bodofa’s leadership is widely associated with the broader movement for political recognition and self-determination, which over the years led to significant milestones such as the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) Accord of 1993, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Accord of 2003 and the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Accord of 2020,” said ABSU president Khwrwmdao Wary.
Despite his untimely demise, his ideals of unity, equality and peaceful coexistence continue to guide the community. His philosophy of “Live and Let Live” and his emphasis on political dignity, social justice and equitable distribution of resources remain relevant in the present context, he said.
Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma passed away on May 1, 1990, but continues to be revered as the “Father of the Bodos” for his lasting contribution to the community’s socio-political awakening.
ABSU president Khwrwmdao Wary stated that the birth and death of every great man carries the metaphor of nature’s true message from the Almighty. He noted that Bodofa was born on a stormy night and his passing brought stormy clouds over the Bodos.
He said the greatness of Bodofa’s legacy lies in the life he left for future generations, which must now be cherished. As a student, he excelled despite economic hardship and his determination to learn reflected his philosophical outlook.
As a leader, he faced challenges during a time of intolerant politics against the Bodos in Assam. His determination to establish the Bodos as a great nationality with dignity on the national and global political map has inspired unity and awareness among the community.
He added that although the Bodo people once faced divided loyalties and differing opinions, the vision of building a great nationality with a distinct language, culture, traditions and political identity was widely accepted.
Wary said that even after 36 years of his passing, Bodofa continues to live in the emotions and sentiments of the Bodo people as a source of inspiration.
He further stated that while the ultimate goal remains a separate state of Bodoland, significant progress has been made through accords such as the BAC Accord of February 20, 1993, the BTC Accord of February 10, 2003 (under the Sixth Schedule Council for the Bodoland Territorial Areas Districts, BTAD) and the BTR Accord of January 27, 2020, which enhanced boundaries, powers and functions and renamed the region as Bodoland Territorial Region.
He emphasised the need to recognise the present context, noting that the region is halfway towards its aspiration with the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and BKWAC in Assam.
“We hope Bodofa’s socialist ideology of self-rule and his desire for respect within the fundamental rights of the Constitution of India will prevail. His vision of equal distribution of resources and opposition to exploitation must be upheld,” Wary said.
He added that Bodofa left behind a legacy of “Bodo Political Morality” that calls for fearlessness, uncompromising commitment and visionary leadership for the community. “This is the time for the present political leadership to maintain faith in self-rule under the Sixth Schedule Council and BKWAC and to continue striving for political self-determination for the Bodos and others seeking equal rights within the framework of the Constitution of India,” he said.
