In a landmark tribute to the revered ‘Father of the Bodos,’ Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a nine-foot statue and inaugurated the newly renamed ‘Upendranath Brahma Marg’ in New Delhi.
Highlighting Bodofa’s relentless fight for the dignity, identity, and rights of the tribal community, the Home Minister remarked, “Bodofa became the voice of equal rights for the entire tribal society, uniting them during his short but impactful life and inspiring peaceful struggles for their rights.”
Emphasizing the lifelong battle of the leader, the Home Minister said, “Bodofa, who became the voice of dignity, identity and equal rights for the entire tribal community, united the tribal society during his short life and inspired them to fight for their rights peacefully.”
About renaming an important road in the national capital and erecting a nine-foot statue, the Home Minister added, “The statue installed in Delhi is not only a matter of respect for Bodoland but also for the struggle made by small tribes across the country for the uplift and development of their language, religion, caste and the people.”
The stretch of an 835-metre and 50-foot-wide A5-A18 Kailash Colony Road near Kailash Colony Metro Station which passes alongside the Bodoland Guest House has been renamed as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg. Besides, the statue has been put at the Kailash Colony roundabout.
“Bodofa is no more but his formula of live and let live has been accepted by the entire Bodoland and tribal society. Due to the sacrifice of thousands of youths, today Bodoland has moved ahead on the path of peace and development. Bodo people have as much right in this country as all of us,” Shah affirmed.
He revealed that after nine months of extensive discussion, the Bodo Accord was signed in 2020, resulting in insurgents laying down arms and joining the mainstream, “We have cleared 96% of the issues of the Bodo Accord and will soon resolve it 100%. This is a huge gift by the Modi Government to the people of Assam and the North East.”
The Home Minister called upon the Bodo youth to carry forward the basic idea of Bathou religion and contribute to the development of Assam.
Concluding his speech, he stated, “Culture and strength of the North East are priceless and the Modi Government is working with this objective of using the strength of the entire nation in the development of the North East.”
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the event, said, “Bodofa Upendranath Brahma led a nonviolent movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and fought valiantly for the rights of his people.”
Terming the day as a proud one for Assam, the Chief Minister added, “Bodofa Brahma dedicated his life to preserving the culture, self-determination and identity of the Bodo people.”
“Turbulent demand for a separate Bodoland once threatened to divide the State of Assam. However, the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, ushered in a new era of peace and reconciliation for the region. This honour is not just for Bodofa Brahma, but for the entire Bodo community who stood resilient and believed in democratic struggle,” Sarma said.
The CEM of Bodoland Territorial Council Pramod Boro, meanwhile posted in X, “Our Bodofa, Our Pride! Bodofa, the “Father of All Bodo People” is the eternal embodiment of Bodo identity, aspirations, and dignity. The tribute accorded to him in the heart of our nation’s capital is a powerful affirmation of his towering legacy and the rightful place of the Bodo community in India’s collective narrative.”
