KOKRAJHAR,OCT 2: “Mahatma Gandhi’s message of harmony, peace and tolerance stands as a beacon of hope and wisdom, particularly for Bodoland, which has transformed from a history of violence to a present marked by brotherhood and development.”, Pramod Boro, the chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Region said.
Speaking at the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 155th birth anniversary, and the International Day of Non-Violence, held at the BTC Secretariat, Bodofa Nwgwr in Kokrajhar on Wednesday, the CEM Boro said, despite the violence and disturbances that shook the region decades ago, the people of Bodoland now live in peace & unity and tranquility, creating a foundation for sustained growth.
“Non-violence is a best way to make the society a good living with integrity and tranquility The Bodoland region must be built up a vibrant and healthy welfare amongst the citizens”,Boro said adding that the citizens must keep neat and clean among the human society.
He has opined that the Green Bodoland Mission is a dream project of BTR government to make healthy green Bodoland in days to come.
” By the mission of Green Bodoland,we(the BTR Govt) are initiating deep step towards the building sustainable development across the region with planting massive trees to have more green and green initiatives”, CEM Boro said adding that the fellow citizens of the region must avoid use of plastic in BTR to get healthy human living.
” It was a pleasure to attend the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi ji’s 155th birth anniversary, and the International Day of Non-Violence, in Kokrajhar – the City of Peace, today. On this solemn occasion, we paid our heartfelt tributes to the Father of the Nation, and prayed for peace and harmony to prevail in BTR. Gandhi Ji’s ideals of peace, non-violence, truth and harmonious coexistence, are especially relevant today, as the world around us is mired in conflicts. We in BTR, must set an example through our unwavering adherence to Bapu’s principles and strive to build BTR into a beacon of peace & brotherhood”,Boro said.
He mentioned that the grand event saw the ceremonial launch of “Dr. Bashi Ram Bodo Doctoral Fellowship Programme” for deserving Ph.D. candidates of BTR.
” I also distributed Complaint/Grievance Boxes under Mission Bwiswmuthi 1.0, and handed over Free Personal Accident Policy for Casual Employees (Sweepers and Cleaners) of BTR”,he added.
On the occasion, the thronging citizens including CEM of BTR,and dignataries took the “Green Bodoland Mission” pledge to reclaim the climate for a resilient and sustainable future for the future generations of BTR.
The ceremony saw Assam minister for Handloom and Textiles and Guardian Minister of Kokrajhar, Urkhao Gwra Brahma, along with CEM of BTR, Pramod Boro and other dignitaries, paying floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, remembering his profound contributions to the nation.
During his address, minister Brahma highlighted the lasting impact of Gandhi’s ideals on society, emphasizing non-violence, humanism, and their role in shaping social change. He also underscored the importance of the “Swachhata Hi Seva” initiative of the Assam Government, calling on the people of Bodoland to take a collective pledge for peace and development.
Principal Secretary of BTC, Akash Deep, in his inaugural address, stressed that peace is essential for development and that the initiatives introduced by the BTR government are paving the way for growth and inclusivity in the region.
The Gandhi Jayanti celebration featured the launch of the BTC’s flagship Dr. Bashi Ram Bodo Doctoral Fellowship Programme. This fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. Bashi Ram Bodo, the first Ph.D. holder from the Bodo community, who made significant contributions to education. The fellowship will provide financial support to 50 meritorious students from the Bodoland Territorial Region pursuing doctoral studies at reputed Indian universities. Each student will receive Rs. 90,000 every six months, totaling Rs. 180,000 annually for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension under exceptional circumstances.
Additionally, the event included the distribution of grievance and complaint boxes under Mission Bwiswmuthi. Circle Officers were entrusted with these boxes to ensure faster resolution of land-related grievances, furthering transparency and efficiency in governance. Notably, BTC has become the first 6th Schedule Council in India to digitize land records, a milestone in administrative modernization.
On this auspicious occasion, a pledge-taking ceremony under the Green Bodoland Mission was also held at the BTC Secretariat. The ceremony, reflecting the BTC’s commitment to environmental sustainability, saw the participation of students, citizens, and officials.
The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including MLA Lawrence Islary, BTC EMs Gautam Das, Daobaisa Boro, Ranjit Baumatary and Dhananjay Basumatary, MCLA Madhab Chansra Chetry, Vice Chancellor of Bodoland University Prof. B L Ahuja, Kokrajhar Municipal Board chairperson Pratibha Brahma, Secretaries, and other senior officials. The Gandhi Jayanti celebrations not only honoured the Father of the Nation but also underscored Bodoland’s journey towards peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
