Post the successful Mega Bihu and Jhumoir Binandini, the Government of Assam recently organised the historic Bagurumba Dwhou celebrating the vibrant culture and heritage of the Bodo community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part at the event as a Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, “It has been my privilege to witness Assam’s culture and closely observe the traditions of the Bodo community.” Highlighting that no Prime Minister has visited Assam as frequently, the Prime Minister emphasised his constant wish that Assam’s art and culture receive a larger platform and gain recognition across the nation and the world through grand celebrations, “The continuous efforts have been made in this direction.”
The Prime Minister underlined that he never misses an opportunity to experience the unique joy of Assam’s art and culture. Mr Modi stated that Bagurumba Dwhou is not merely a festival but a medium to honour the great Bodo tradition and to remember eminent personalities of the Bodo society, “Stalwarts such as Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma, Rupnath Brahma, Satish Chandra Basumatary, Moradam Brahma, and Kanakeswar Narzary have made immense contributions to social reform, cultural renaissance, and political awakening.”
“Under our Government, grand festivals like Bagurumba Dwhou have been organized; Bihu has been given national recognition and efforts have led to Charaideo Moidam being included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Assamese language has been accorded classical status, and the Bodo language has been recognized as an associate official language of Assam, with a separate directorate established to strengthen education in Bodo,” he informed the gathering.
The Prime Minister also declared Bathou Puja as a state holiday. “There was a time when bloodshed was frequent, but today the colours of culture shine; a time when gunfire echoed, but now the melodious sounds of Kham and Sifung prevail. Such a grand celebration is not only Assam’s achievement but India’s achievement, and every citizen of the country is proud of Assam’s transformation,” he added.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that since the peace accord, the Government has been continuously working for the development of Bodoland, accelerating the rehabilitation process, and providing thousands of youth with crores of rupees in financial assistance to help them begin anew.
Emphasising that the results of their Government’s efforts are visible today, the Prime Minister highlighted that talented Bodo youth becoming cultural ambassadors of Assam, excelling in sports, dreaming with new confidence, fulfilling those dreams, and driving Assam’s progress. According to the Prime Minister, whenever Assam’s art, culture, and identity are honored, some people feel troubled.
He noted the formation of the Bodo-Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council, the allocation of a special development package of ₹1500 crore for Bodoland, the establishment of a medical college and hospital in Kokrajhar, and the acceleration of construction of a medical college in Tamulpur. “Nursing colleges and paramedical institutions are creating new opportunities for youth, while polytechnic and training institutes have been set up in Gobardhana, Parbatjhora, and Horisinga. A separate Welfare Department and Bodoland Administrative Staff College have also been established, enabling better policy-making for the welfare of the Bodo community.”
Winding up, the Prime Minister remarked that their Government has bridged distances between hearts, between Assam and Delhi, and within Assam itself through improved infrastructure. “Areas once difficult to reach now have highways and new roads are opening opportunities. Bishmuri-Saralpara road project connecting Kokrajhar to the Bhutan border, with crores allocated and the proposed Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail project, declared a special railway project and made part of the Act East Policy, will boost trade and tourism.”
Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya; Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.
