KOKRAJHAR, March 30: The ongoing Jothumma-Tribal Youth Conclave 2.0 is held at Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar that witnessed discussion on various aspects and issues of the tribal communities across the country.
The event was organised by Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government to build an integrity and harmony through sharing information, knowledge as well as cultural integration among the tribal peoples of the nation.
Notably, delegates from 12 autonomous councils have been participating in the three-day event Jothumma.
Members from Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, Mising Autonomous Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, Khasi Hills District Council, Kamatapur Autonomous Council, Moran Autonomous Council, Mathak Autonomous Council, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Garo Autonomous Council, have been deliberating on addressing various social issues as well as development aspirations in the council areas.
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) chief executive member, Pramod Boro launched the Bodoland Territorial Council vision for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-2030: Peaceful, Green and Smart Bodoland on Wednesday amidst the dignitaries, guests and delegates attending the Jothumma in Kokrajhar.
Addressing the gathering, he said, “It is high time for the tribal communities to set long term goals and vision. While we have to do the right thing, there is a need to build peace in our society and ensure all round development.”
Highlighting the close connection between nature and tribal peoples, Boro said, “Tribal communities are generally voiceless and silent just like the nature that becomes turbulent when violated and infringed upon.”
Introducing the ‘Bodoland Territorial Council Vision (Sustainable Development Goals) 2030: Peaceful, Green and Smart Bodoland’, John Borgoyary, regional head of UNDP north-east India, said that the document was an outcome of a large number of consultations held across the departments of the BTC. He reiterated, “We need every department, official, civil society organisation and leader to engage with all the stakeholders of the society for achieving the SDG 2030. Youths have to become torch bearers of the SDG at all levels, especially at the grassroot level.”
Delivering a goodwill message on the occasion, Cynthia Dittmar, programme coordinator of Child Aid Network Germany, said that there is a lot of work to be done in the area of education in lower Assam.
Dr Monica Banerjee, head, Inter Globe Foundation said, “We need to establish strong institutions in the Bodoland Territorial Region for ensuring equitable development of all communities residing here.”
Among others, BTR executive member Daobaisa Boro, state information commissioner Samudra Gupta Kashyap, commissioner, BTR MCLA Bijitgwra Narzary, Supriya Khound, UNDP India were prominent attendees on the day.
“The purpose of Jothumma 2.0 is to empower the youth to explore innovative ideas to tackle development challenges in the autonomous and district councils,” said Daobaisa Boro, EM, Sports & Youth Welfare, Cultural Affairs.
