KOKRAJHAR,MAR 29: A two-day national seminar on Lingual & Cultural Issues of Local Communities of Bodoland began from Saturday in New Delhi.
The event was organised jointly by Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), ABSU, Bodo Study Centre in association with government of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) being held at the Bodo Study Centre of Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha.
Pramod Boro, the chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Region inaugurated the event amidst presence of literary leaders, writers, intellectuals and students union leaders representing different communities across the Bodoland region.
Notably, the event aims to provide a platform for discussion and deliberations to formulate an action plan to guide the future of society, particularly the policymakers of Bodoland region.
It may be mentioned here that the historic Bodo Peace Accord signed on the 27th of January 2020 under the guidance of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and in the august presence of Home Minister of India Amit Shah has already ushered in a new era of hope, peace, all-round development and progress in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in the state of Assam.
The Bodoland Model of Peace has also gathered regional and national acclaim within the past five years. The Bodoland Territorial Region, one of the ten Sixth Schedule Councils of India (North East), was previously known for its volatile environment- conflicts, violence, killings and rapes for over four-decades since the 1980s. For the first time, the region has seen peace, security and harmonious co-existence in the post-Independence period.
Recently, the Pramod Boro-led BTR Government launched the BTR Community Vision Documents. The respective community vision documents are participatorily developed aspirations of the diverse communities living in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
As part of the flagship Bodoland Happiness Mission, this initiative reflected the Council Government’s steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable peace, promoting healing and addressing the enduring scars of over four decades of conflict and violence. It captures the diverse aspirations of the communities residing in BTR and seeks to align the government’s efforts with their needs, ensuring that every voice is heard and represented in the journey towards peace and development.
The National Seminar is unique in its community-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of equal ownership among all stakeholders. By involving community organizations, grassroots leaders, and individuals the process fosters trust, inclusion and social unity. It is expected that the seminar will lay the foundation for holistic and inclusive development in the Bodoland Territorial Region. It has been designed to foster the resilience and aspirations of BTR, while also serving as a roadmap for the Council Government to prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively. Such an approach aims at a future where the wounds of the past are healed, communities are empowered, and sustainable peace is achieved.
Through this initiative, the Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Academy, All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), and all the participating CSOs from BTR reaffirm their unwavering commitment to building bridges between communities and fostering a harmonious, progressive, and green Bodoland.
CEM Pramod Boro has appreciated the organisers for initiating the event in the national level which has gathered a well attended cutting across the communities.
He stated that the seminar is a significant step towards realizing this shared dream, ensuring that the aspirations of every community shape the region’s path forward.
” Building on the foundation laid by The Community Vision for BTR, we are now working towards establishing a Community Fund and a Community Museum for each of the 26 communities of BTR. This initiative will empower communities to preserve and promote their unique cultural heritage while strengthening unity and inclusive progress in our region”,Boro said.
Among others, Bodo Sahitya Sabha president Dr Surath Narzary,BTCLA speaker Katiram Boro, MPs Joyanta Basumatary, Rwngwra Narzary were present in the event.
