North East is India’s Ashtalakshmi”: PM Modi at 1st Bodoland Mohotsav

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th Nov. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the first-ever Bodoland Mohotsav in Delhi, a two-day cultural extravaganza aimed at celebrating Bodo language, literature, and traditions. The event marked a milestone in fostering peace and progress for the vibrant Bodo community following the historic 2020 Bodo Peace Accord.

In his address, the Prime Minister extended greetings on Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepavali, the 555th Prakash Parva of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He described the Mohotsav as an emotional moment, symbolizing Bodoland’s journey from violence to unity and prosperity.

Progress Post-Peace Accord

PM Modi highlighted the transformative impact of the Bodo Peace Accord, emphasizing its role in ushering a new wave of development. Over 10,000 youths in Assam have renounced violence, and over 4,000 former cadres of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have been rehabilitated. The Central Government has provided a ₹1,500 crore special package for Bodoland’s development, while the Assam Government has invested ₹800 crore annually.

Development Milestones

PM Modi outlined significant achievements in Bodoland over the past four years:

• Infrastructure: Over ₹700 crore invested in education, health, and cultural infrastructure.
• Employment and Skill Development: Launch of the SEED Mission to enhance skilling, entrepreneurship, and employment for Bodo youth and women.
• Sports and Literature: Hosting of the Durand Cup and the continuous celebration of the Bodoland Literary Festival in Kokrajhar.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Describing Bodoland as a cornerstone of Assam’s tourism, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of Manas, Raimona, and Sikhna Jhalao National Parks into thriving tourism hubs. Initiatives like the Bodoland Sericulture Mission and Handloom Mission aim to preserve the region’s cultural legacy.

Northeast as India’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’

PM Modi called the Northeast India’s “Ashtalakshmi,” emphasizing its vital role in national development. Efforts to resolve border disputes and promote peace have strengthened regional unity. He affirmed that the region is witnessing a “golden era” of development, with 25 crore people lifted out of poverty in the past decade.

Healthcare and Education

The Prime Minister highlighted the addition of four major hospitals and six new medical colleges in Assam, bringing the total to 12, with 12 more under construction. These institutions are creating opportunities for local youth while improving access to healthcare.

Concluding his address, PM Modi lauded the contributions of Bodo leaders like Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving Bodoland’s cultural richness and ensuring sustainable development for the community.

The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Bodoland Territorial Region Chief Pramod Boro, and other prominent leaders, with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma joining virtually.