Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday inaugurated the landmark initiative ‘Bodoland Speaks: From Vision to Action’ at a grand programme held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati. The event, organized by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Bodoland Happiness Mission, marks a major step in showcasing the transformation and developmental journey of the Bodoland region.
During the programme, CM Sarma launched several key initiatives including:
- BTR Communication Bridge – a practical linguistic resource comprising 1001 words and 1001 sentences in 18 regional languages aimed at fostering better communication and inclusivity.
- ‘Transforming Bodoland – A Journey of Change in BTR’ – a publication narrating the progress and positive transformation in the Bodoland Territorial Region.
- ‘Lookin’ Within: My Reflections’ – a book authored by BTC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro.
- Annual Report of the Bodoland Happiness Mission (2024-25).
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also conferred the Bodoland Lifetime Achievers Award to 18 eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions towards the preservation and promotion of folk culture in the region.
CM Sarma lauded the Bodoland Happiness Mission as a transformative initiative that has played a crucial role in restoring peace and stability in the region after decades of unrest. Reflecting on the past, he recalled the violence, fear, and instability that plagued Bodoland since 1968, driven by demands for self-determination and ethnic tension.
“Today, the narrative has changed. In the last four years of our governance, I haven’t heard a single gunshot in the BTR. This is the success of the peace accord and collective efforts of the people,” said Sarma.
Emphasizing on inclusivity and cultural respect, the Chief Minister announced that, in response to a long-standing demand by the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), the State Government will now translate all official notifications into the Bodo language in the 13 Bodo-inhabited districts of Assam.
He reiterated that maintaining peace and harmony in BTR is a shared responsibility. “The Bodo community, along with the 26 tribal communities residing in the region, has played an instrumental role in building the current peaceful ecosystem,” he added.
Additionally, Sarma launched two new socio-economic initiatives:
- Bodoland Engaged Ethnography Initiative
- Bodoland Migrant Women Livelihood Support Programme
BTC CEM Pramod Boro, in his address, highlighted the progress made since the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord and reaffirmed BTC’s commitment towards sustainable development, cultural preservation, and social inclusion in the region.
The event stands as a testament to the remarkable transition of Bodoland from decades of conflict to a future rooted in peace, progress, and happiness.
