PM Modi Inaugurates 1st Bodoland Mohotsav, Celebrating Peace and Progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever Bodoland Mohotsav in Delhi, a two-day event celebrating the language, literature, and culture of the Bodo community. The event underscores the significant progress achieved after the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020, marking the end of decades of conflict and violence. The festival aims to foster unity, promote the Bodo culture, and highlight the region’s development under the current government’s leadership.

Key Highlights of the Event

Significance of the Bodoland Peace Accord

Modi emphasized the historic importance of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, which ended decades of violence and paved the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for the Bodo people. He also noted the success of similar peace agreements, such as the Karbi Anglong Accord, Bru-Reang Accord, and the NLFT-Tripura Accord, underlining their contribution to North-East India’s stability and growth.

Development and Infrastructure Investments

The Prime Minister highlighted significant investments in the region, with the Central Government providing a Rs 1500 crore development package for Bodoland. The Assam Government has also allocated over Rs 700 crore for infrastructure development in sectors like education, health, and culture. Modi stressed that over 10,000 youth have now joined the mainstream after giving up arms, contributing to Bodoland’s progress.

Cultural Revival and Tourism Boost

Modi celebrated the resurgence of Bodo culture, pointing to the successful Bodo Literary Festival and the inclusion of Bodoland’s art and craft, such as GI-tagged products. He also emphasized the region’s growing tourism sector, including the development of national parks like Manas and Raimona, which are now thriving as tourist hubs, creating new employment opportunities.

Support for Youth and Skill Development

Through initiatives like the SEED Mission (Skill, Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Development), the government aims to equip Bodo youth with skills, ensuring sustainable growth. Modi expressed pride in the youth’s shift towards sports and education, noting historic events like the Durand Cup being held in Kokrajhar, as a testament to the progress made.

Honoring Bodo Leaders and Cultural Heritage

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Bodo leaders like Shri Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma, acknowledging their role in promoting unity, non-violence, and democratic values. He also emphasized that the Bodo people’s renewed aspirations for a better future were inspired by successful figures in the community, like Shri Harishankar Brahma and Shri Ranjit Shekhar Mushahary.

A Bright Future for Bodoland and North East India

Concluding his address, Modi reaffirmed that the development of Bodoland is a key pillar in the broader vision of a prosperous North East, contributing to the overall progress of India. With continued efforts toward peace, infrastructure, and cultural revival, the region is set to be a beacon of development in the coming years.

Background of the Bodoland Mohotsav

The Bodoland Mohotsav, held on November 15th and 16th, serves as a platform to celebrate Bodo culture and promote the region’s tourism potential. The event also reflects on the remarkable recovery and peace since the 2020 Accord. The theme of the festival is “Peace and Harmony for a Prosperous Bharat,” highlighting the region’s rich cultural, linguistic, and ecological heritage. The festival draws participants from various regions, including Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and Bhutan, reinforcing the unity and shared heritage of the Bodo people across borders.

Summery of the News