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

Why in News	Key Points
Inauguration of 1st Bodoland Mohotsav by PM Modi	The 1st Bodoland Mohotsav was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Delhi. It is a two-day event (15th-16th November) focusing on language, literature, and culture of the Bodo community to sustain peace and build a vibrant society.
Bodo Peace Accord	The Bodo Peace Accord was signed in 2020, ending decades of conflict in Bodoland and promoting peace and development. Over 10,000 youths in Assam have returned to the mainstream after giving up violence.
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)	BTR is located in Assam, with Kokrajhar as one of the key areas. The region is focusing on development, peace, and cultural unity post-peace accord.
CM of Assam	Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma (currently CM of Assam) connected virtually during the event.
Capital of Bodoland	The capital of Bodoland is Kokrajhar.
Development Initiatives	Central Government provided a special development package of Rs 1500 crore for Bodoland’s development. The Assam Government annually allocates Rs 800 crore for development.
GI Tag Products	Bodoland is home to various GI-tagged products like Aronnaye, Dokhona, Gamsa, Karai-Dakhini, etc., linked to its culture.
Bodo Literature and Culture	The Bodoland Literary Festival has been held in Kokrajhar continuously for the last three years. The Bodo Sahitya Sabha’s 73rd foundation day was celebrated.
Tourism in Bodoland	Tourism is seen as a major opportunity for youth, with natural attractions like Manas National Park and Raimona National Park.
Sericulture & Handloom Missions	Government implemented the Bodoland Sericulture Mission and Bodoland Handloom Mission to promote Bodo culture and craftsmanship.
Key Personalities	Shri Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma were noted for their contributions to Bodo society.
Statistical Fact	Over 4,000 former NDFB cadres have been rehabilitated and provided with employment opportunities.
Assam Medical Infrastructure	The Assam government has opened several medical colleges and hospitals, including AIIMS Guwahati and Kokrajhar Medical College, as part of the region’s development.