Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hailed the cultural contributions of the state’s indigenous communities, particularly the Bodo people, during the 32nd Annual Conference of the Dularai Bathou Goutham (All Bathou Mahasabha) held at Pathalikuchi in Tamulpur district. Addressing the open session of the event, CM Sarma acknowledged the deep-rooted cultural, spiritual, and religious practices of indigenous groups that have enriched Assam’s heritage. He emphasized the importance of preserving these traditions, calling them a vital part of the state’s “cultural corpus” and a reflection of the wider ethnocultural identity of the nation. “The customs, rites, and ceremonial traditions of Assam’s indigenous communities have made a meaningful contribution to our state’s identity,” Sarma said. “It is our immediate priority to recognise, protect, and promote these rich cultural elements.” The Chief Minister paid tribute to the founders of the All Bathou Mahasabha—Rupnath Basumatary and Baneswar Basumatary—who established the organization on May 15, 1992. He praised their vision and the continuing efforts of the Mahasabha in promoting Bodo religious and cultural values.
To strengthen government support, Sarma highlighted the creation of a dedicated Department of Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture, which is tasked with the development and preservation of traditional religious and spiritual systems. “This department has already started multiple initiatives aimed at safeguarding the indigenous faith structures,” he noted. Highlighting government efforts on the ground, Sarma said that financial aid had been extended to 200 Bathou Thansalis over the past two years, as part of a plan to support 500 such traditional religious sites. An additional 100 Thansalis will be covered under this scheme during the current year, he announced. In a major boost to the community, the Chief Minister also revealed that the state government has earmarked Rs 15 crore for the construction of three large Bathou Thansalis and heritage centres—one each at Goreswar, Chirang, and either Ghoramara or Tezpur—with Rs 5 crore allocated to each. Taking the initiative beyond the state borders, Sarma said a Namghar (prayer hall) will be built in the premises of the upcoming Assam Bhawan in New Delhi. A sacred Sijou tree, symbolizing the Bathou faith, will also be planted there.
“These steps are being taken in close coordination with the All Bathou Mahasabha to raise national awareness about the cultural and spiritual legacy of the Bathou tradition,” he added. CM Sarma underlined that spiritual heritage forms the backbone of one’s personal and collective identity. “Such traditions teach us how to live a principled and meaningful life,” he said. Speaking directly to the younger generation of the Bodo community, Sarma encouraged them to carry forward their ancestral values with pride and responsibility. The event witnessed the presence of several key figures, including Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary, MLA Jolen Daimary, Speaker of the BTC Legislative Assembly Katiram Boro, and BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, among other dignitaries and community leaders.