Staff Reporter
Guwahati: Addressing the nation by radio in the 123rd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on June 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted a beautiful picture of Assam, especially Bodoland. With a special reference to the Bodoland CEM Cup, the PM expressed his happiness at how the talented footballers of Bodoland are making a mark at the national level.
PM Modi, in his address, said, “Imagine a picture. The morning sun is touching the hills, the light is slowly moving towards the plains, and with that light, a troupe of football lovers is advancing. The whistle blows, and in a few moments, the ground reverberates with applause and slogans. People’s enthusiasm is increasing with every pass, every goal. You must be wondering… What beautiful world is that?”
“This picture is the reality of Bodoland, a major region of Assam. Bodoland today stands out in the country with a new face, a new identity. The energy and confidence that the youth here have, is most visible on the football field. In the Bodo Territorial Area, the Bodoland CEM Cup is being organized. This is not just a tournament; it has become a celebration of unity and hope. More than three thousand seven hundred teams, about seventy thousand players, and even among them, a large number of our daughter’s participation! These statistics tell the story of a big change in Bodoland. Bodoland is now increasingly casting its glow on the sports map of the country,” he added.
He said there was a time when struggle itself was the identity of Bodoland. “Then the avenues for the youth here were limited. But today there are new dreams in their eyes and the courage of self-reliance in their hearts. The football players hailing from here are now making their mark at a high level. Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurba Narzary, and Manbir Basumatari – these are not just the names of football players – they are the identity of that new generation who catapulted Bodoland from the field to the national stage,” he emphasised.
On Sunday, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma listened to ‘Mann ki Baat’ at Dharapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati. In response to the PM’s account of development in Assam’s Bodoland, the CM enthused, “In today’s Mann ki Baat, the hon’ble Prime Minister mentioned how peace and harmony have returned to Bodoland. With the return of peace and harmony, he stated how sports talent is shining in Bodoland, mainly the footballers. Several sequences of events occurring in Assam have gained prominence at the national level. PM Modi mentioned Assam’s successes several times during the broadcast of Mann ki Baat. I express my gratitude to PM Modi and congratulate the sportspersons in Bodoland.”
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