Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while attending the open session of the 32nd Annual Conference of the Dularai Bathou Goutham (All Bathou Mahasabha) in Tamulpur’s Pathalikuchi, emphasized the significant contribution of Assam’s indigenous communities, particularly the Bodo people, to the state’s rich cultural heritage. He lauded their customary practices, religious rites, and ceremonial traditions, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the state’s cultural landscape.
Dr. Sarma acknowledged the All Bathou Mahasabha’s profound influence on the religious, spiritual, cultural, and linguistic consciousness of the Bodo community since its inception on May 15, 1992, under the leadership of Rupnath Basumatary and Baneswar Basumatary. He paid homage to the founding members and all those who have contributed to the Mahasabha’s growth and impact.
“The customary practices, religious rites, and ceremonial traditions of Assam’s indigenous communities, including those of the Bodo people, have contributed meaningfully to the cultural corpus of the state and to the wider ethnocultural landscape of the nation,” the Chief Minister stated, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting these cultural assets.
He stressed the government’s commitment to acknowledging, safeguarding, and systematically promoting these cultural attributes, stating, “The acknowledgement, safeguarding, and systematic promotion of these cultural attributes constitute an immediate priority.”
To address this need, the Assam government established the Department of Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture, tasked with the sustained support, advancement, and conservation of tribal and indigenous religious and cultural systems. Dr. Sarma noted that this department has already initiated various projects aimed at safeguarding traditional spiritual and religious frameworks.
He reiterated the state administration’s previous commitment made at Thelamara, stating that financial support has been provided to 200 Bathou Thansalis over the past two years, with plans to assist 500 such religious sites. “An additional 100 Bathou Thansali would receive assistance within the current year,” he affirmed.
Furthering the government’s commitment, he announced the allocation of Rs 15 crore, with Rs 5 crore designated for each, for the construction of three significant Bathou Thansali and Heritage Centres in Goreswar, Chirang, and Ghoramara or Tezpur.
Dr. Sarma also disclosed plans to construct a Namghar on the premises of the new Assam Bhawan in New Delhi, where a Sijou tree will be planted. These initiatives, he said, will be undertaken in collaboration with the All Bathou Mahasabha to enhance public awareness of the historical and spiritual significance of the Bathou tradition.
The Chief Minister emphasized that cultural and spiritual traditions are fundamental to personal and collective identity, offering guidance for a principled and purposeful life. He urged the younger generation of the Bodo community to take responsibility for sustaining and advancing their cultural and religious heritage.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Member of Rajya Sabha, Rwngwra Narzary; Member of the Legislative Assembly, Jolen Daimary; Speaker of the Bodoland Territorial Council Legislative Assembly, Katiram Boro; Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Pramod Boro; and other council members and dignitaries.
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