Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that all government notifications will now be translated into the Bodo language in districts where the Bodo community resides. The move, aimed at strengthening cultural identity and ensuring better access to government communications, will cover all 13 Bodo-inhabited districts across the state. The Chief Minister made this announcement while attending a high-profile official event in Kokrajhar, where he inaugurated the ambitious initiative titled ‘Bodoland Speaks: From Vision to Action’. This programme has been launched under the broader umbrella of the Bodoland Happiness Mission, a governance effort led by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) to improve the well-being and development of the region. “This is a matter of pride and justice,” Sarma stated, addressing the gathering. “As per the longstanding demand of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), we will now ensure that all state government notifications are made available in the Bodo language in every Bodo-inhabited district. This is a rightful recognition of the Bodo people’s language, culture and contribution.”
The announcement was met with applause and appreciation from members of the Bodo community, student leaders, and cultural stakeholders who were present at the event. During the event, the Chief Minister also presented the Bodoland Lifetime Achievers Award to 18 distinguished individuals. These personalities were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the preservation and promotion of folk cultures, traditions, and indigenous practices in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). “These individuals have been torchbearers of our cultural legacy,” said Sarma. “Their work in folk music, dance, literature, and craftsmanship reflects the richness of Bodoland and the resilience of its people. It is only fitting that we acknowledge their lifelong dedication.” The awards added a meaningful layer to the day’s celebrations, as several awardees, dressed in traditional attire, spoke briefly about their artistic journey and hopes for Bodoland’s cultural future. In his keynote address, CM Sarma offered a detailed reflection on the region’s transformation over the last decade. He spoke candidly about the challenges faced by the Bodo people and others in the region during periods of unrest and conflict.
“Bodoland was once one of the most disturbed areas in Assam,” the Chief Minister said. “The demand for self-determination and the tensions that arose from it created a climate of fear among communities. People lived under uncertainty, with frequent agitations and deep distrust.”However, Sarma highlighted that a major turning point came in 2014 with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the CM, the Centre’s focused efforts towards peace-building and dialogue led to a gradual shift in the political and social dynamics of the region.“The most significant development came in 2020,” he said, “when a historic tripartite peace accord was signed between the Government of India, the Assam Government, and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). This agreement turned the hope for peace into a practical reality.” He said that the present-day BTR is no longer a conflict zone but a model for peaceful coexistence. “Maintaining peace and harmony in BTR is a collective responsibility,” he noted. “The Bodo community, along with the 26 tribal communities who call this land home, have taken this responsibility seriously. Their commitment has already started yielding results.”
The Chief Minister expressed optimism about the economic potential of the region. “Peace is the foundation of prosperity,” he said. “The Bodoland region, with its rich natural resources and human capital, has the potential to become an economic powerhouse. What was once a region defined by strife can now be known for development, education, and entrepreneurship.” He reiterated the state government’s commitment to inclusive development in the BTR. From language rights to infrastructure upgrades, Sarma outlined a roadmap for sustainable progress. He also praised initiatives like Bodoland Speaks, calling it a vital step in making governance more participatory and transparent.“Such platforms empower citizens to raise their voices and share ideas. When people participate in governance, democracy flourishes,” he added.