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KOKRAJHAR: State Minister for Panchayat & Rural Development, Tourism and other departments, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, attended a landmark felicitation ceremony in Kokrajhar on Friday, honouring eminent artists who represented Bodo traditional dance Bagurumbha on the national stage during 1955-1986. The event, hosted at the Bodofa Cultural Complex in Chandamari, Kokrajhar, was jointly organized by the Dularai Boro Harimu Afad (DBHA) and Bodo Radio and Television Artists' Association (BRTAA), in collaboration with the Government of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
Applauding the initiative, the minister expressed heartfelt appreciation to BTR chief Pramod Boro for conceptualizing such an innovative and inspiring programme, noting that such a model should be replicated across districts and autonomous councils. He termed the event a ‘new milestone’ in recognizing cultural legacies.
Reflecting on the transformation of Kokrajhar, he remarked, “There was a time when people were hesitant to visit Kokrajhar. Today, the region stands as a symbol of peace and cultural resurgence. This transformation has been made possible due to the vision and dedicated efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, and BTC chief Pramod Boro.”
Addressing the gathering, BTC chief Pramod Boro highlighted various schemes of the present government aimed at the educational and cultural development of the people of BTR, such as the Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Super-50 Mission, the Dr Banshiram Baro Fellowship for PhD aspirants, grants-in-aid for cultural organizations, and the construction of cultural halls throughout BTR.
The programme commenced with the launch of a book reflecting the journey of these Bodo artists by Dr Surath Narzary, President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS). A special Bagurumbha performance by the honoured artists who performed Bagurumba dance in the Republic Day celebrations from 1955 to 1986 and the 1972 Delhi Asian Mela soon followed offering the audience a nostalgic glimpse into their artistic journey. From 1955 to 1986, as many as 12 Bagurumba teams including one from West Bengal represented Bagurumba dance in the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Altogether 165 artistes including instrumentalists were involved in the cultural showcase in New Delhi of which 120 are still alive while 45 have died.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were BTC chief Pramod Boro, Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary, Lok Sabha MP Joyanta Basumatary, BTC deputy chief Gobinda Chandra Basumatary, State Minister UG Brahma, MCLA Reo Reoa Narzihary and Madhab Chandra Chetry, MLA Lawrence Islary, and EMs, along with senior officials and cultural luminaries.
On the occasion, the eminent artistes and family members were felicitated with traditional Aronai, Endi Shawal and memento. Cheque of Rs 50,000 each was also given to all luminaries.
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