New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, inaugurated the first-ever Bodoland Mahotsav, a two-day mega celebration on language, literature, and culture to sustain peace and build a Vibrant Bodo Society. Addressing the gathering at the event, PM Modi also greeted the nation on the auspicious occasions of ‘Kartik Purnima’, ‘Dev Deepavali’, and the 555th ‘Prakash Parva of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji’. The prime minister also acknowledged the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, which is celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’.

Expressing his delight in inaugurating the Bodoland Mahotsav, Prime Minister Modi asserted that the event marked a significant milestone in the Bodo community’s journey towards peace, prosperity, and cultural revival. He highlighted the end of 50 years of violence and the beginning of a new era of unity, evident in the captivating ‘Ranachandi’ dance performance. The Prime Minister praised the Bodos for creating a new history through their struggles and mediation efforts, leading to the signing of the ‘Bodo Peace Accord in 2020’.

PM Modi stated that during his visit to the Kokrajhar region after the peace accord, he experienced the warmth and love of the Bodo people, which he felt again during the event. He emphasized the importance of choosing the path of peace, leading to a bright future for the Bodo people. The prime minister also said that the development initiatives undertaken in Bodoland over the last four years have been crucial in bringing about this positive change.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Bodo Peace Accord has had a profound impact, with over 10,000 youths in Assam laying down their arms and returning to the mainstream. The PMO, in its press note, said that the peace accord has paved the way for other agreements, such as the Karbi Anglong Accord, the Bru-Reang Accord, and the NLFT-Tripura Accord. The central and state governments have prioritized the needs and aspirations of the Bodo community, allocating a special package of Rs 1500 crore for Bodoland’s development, the PM said. 

The prime minister also highlighted various initiatives, including the SEED Mission for skill development, the Bodoland Sericulture Mission, and the Bodoland Handloom Mission, aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of the Bodo community. He also mentioned the growth of tourism in Bodoland, which would create new employment opportunities for the youth. PM Modi acknowledged the contributions of notable Bodo personalities and expressed satisfaction with the progress made towards a brighter future for the Bodo people.

Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the significance of the Bodo Peace Accord in paving the way for prosperity in the entire North East.