Bhutan’s Queen Mother conferred Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ award in Assam’s Kokrajhar

Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of the Kingdom of Bhutan, was conferred the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025 at a special ceremony held on February 3, at the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Auditorium of Bodoland University in Kokrajhar.

The prestigious award was presented by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust (UNBT) in recognition of the Queen Mother’s lifelong and exceptional contributions to humanitarian service, social development, and inclusive growth.

Widely respected on the international stage for her leadership in social welfare, Her Majesty is the Founder President of the Tarayana Foundation, through which she has led comprehensive rural development initiatives across remote regions of Bhutan. The foundation’s work focuses on poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and the preservation of cultural heritage, significantly improving the lives of marginalised communities.

The award carries a citation, a trophy bearing the likeness of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, traditional Bodo artefacts including the Sereja (a traditional musical instrument), Aronai, and Dokhona, along with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the programme as the chief guest. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary, Governor of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority Dr Lotay Tshering, Bhutan’s Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs Lyonpo Tshering, Assam Cabinet Minister U.G. Brahma, All Bodo Students’ Union president Dipen Boro, former BTC chief Pramod Boro, and UNBT president Dimasa Dwibrang Musahary, among others.

The ceremony underscored the enduring legacy of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, popularly known as the ‘Father of the Bodos’, and reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Bhutan towards humanitarian values, cultural harmony, and regional cooperation.