Bodo Sahitya Sabha marks 73rd Foundation Day with cultural celebrations

The Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) commemorated its 73rd foundation day today at the SAI Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex in New Delhi with a vibrant display of culture and a strong call for the promotion of Bodo language and literature. The day’s observances were part of the ongoing Bodoland Mohotsov, which saw active participation from various leaders and members of the Bodo community.

The celebrations kicked off with a ceremonial flag hoisting by Dr. Surath Narzary, the President of BSS, who marked the occasion by emphasizing the organization's unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Bodo language. Vice President Sitaram Basumatary led a moment of remembrance for the martyrs who have contributed to the community's cultural and social progress.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of a mega cultural rally. MP Joyanta Basumatary flagged off the rally, which began at the SAI Indira Gandhi Stadium and traversed the bustling streets of New Delhi, including the Delhi Secretariat. The rally saw prominent figures such as BTC Chief Pramod Boro, MPs Joyanta Basumatary, Dilip Saikia, and Rwngwra Narzary, along with Cabinet Minister UG Brahma, participating in the cultural procession. The rally was a colorful representation of Bodo culture and heritage, with thousands joining in the celebration.

The day’s discussions also focused on the future of Bodo language education. Dr. Surath Narzary chaired an open discussion on the topic, "Challenges and Opportunities of Mother Tongue Medium through the National Education Policy, 2020." The session shed light on how the new policy can create opportunities for regional languages like Bodo, while addressing the challenges faced in mainstream educational systems.

In a fitting tribute to those who have contributed to the preservation and growth of Bodo language and culture, the BSS felicitated several distinguished individuals posthumously. Among the honorees were Dr. Pramod Chandra Bhattacharya, a renowned linguist and folklorist, Subungthini Thandwi Bineswar Brahma, the former president of BSS, and Gyan Sibithabgra Madhuram Boro, a prominent linguist and Bhasa Samman Awardee from the Sahitya Akademy. The posthumous awards were presented by Prof. Ramesh Bhardwaj, Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Valmiki Sanskrit Vishwavidyalay, Haryana, who acknowledged their contributions to the language and culture.