BTC Chief’s visionary initiative brings long-overdue recognition to Bodo artists
KOKRAJHAR, MAY 30: The chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Pramod Boro, Assam cabinet minister for Panchayat & Rural Development, Tourism department, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, graced a landmark felicitation ceremony in Kokrajhar on Friday honouring eminent artists who represented Bodo tradition on the national stage during 1955-1986.
The event, hosted at the Bodofa Cultural Complex, Chandamari in Kokrajhar, was organised by the Dularai Boro Harimu Afad (DBHA) and Bodo Radio and Television Artists Association (BRTAA), in collaboration with the Government of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
Applauding the initiative, the minister expressed heartfelt appreciation to BTR CEM Pramod Boro for conceptualising such an innovative and inspiring programme, noting that such a model should be replicated across districts and autonomous councils. He termed the event a “new milestone” in recognising cultural legacies.
Reflecting on the transformation of Kokrajhar, he remarked, “There was a time when people were hesitant to visit Kokrajhar. Today, the region stands as a symbol of peace and cultural resurgence. This transformation has been made possible due to the vision and dedicated efforts of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and BTC chief Shri Pramod Boro.”
Addressing the gathering, CEM of BTR, Pramod Boro highlighted various schemes of the present government aimed at the educational and cultural development of the people of BTR, such as the Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Super 50 Mission, the Dr. Bashiram Boro Fellowship for PhD aspirants, grants-in-aid for cultural organizations, and the construction of cultural halls throughout BTR.
He said that the government of BTR has initiated the event to extend deep respect and honour to the eminent artists who represented Bodo cultural dance in the national stage in 1955 to 1986.
” As a mark of deep respect and recognition, each artist was presented with a cheque of ₹50,000 in a grateful acknowledgment of their lifelong dedication to promoting and preserving the soul of Bodo traditions.The Government of BTR salutes their timeless contributions which continue to inspire generations”, Boro said.
The programme commenced with the launch of a book reflecting the journey of these Bodo artists, by Dr. Surath Narzary, President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha.
A special Bagurumba performance by the honoured artists who performed at the 1972 Delhi Asian Mela soon followed offering the audience a nostalgic glimpse into their artistic journey.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were BTC Chief Shri Pramod Boro, Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary, Lok Sabha MP Joyanta Basumatary, BTC Deputy Chief Gobinda Chandra Basumatary, State Minister U G Brahma, MCLA Reo Reoa Narzihary and Madhab Chandra Chetry, MLA Lawrence Islary, EMs along with senior officials and cultural luminaries.
