International Bodo-Meche Literary and Cultural Integration Programme concludes in Nepal

Our Correspondent

Kokrajhar: The International Bodo-Meche Literary and Cultural Integration Programme organized jointly by Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), Meche Somaj Sibiyari Afad of Nepal and Meche Sahitya Sabha of Nepal at Meche Nwgwr, Dulabari in Jhappa district of Nepal, concluded on Sunday. Representatives from Assam, West Bengal and Nepal took part in the literary and cultural congregation.

On the concluding day on Sunday, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Nepal Hikkmat Karki, while addressing the gathering as chief guest, said the government of Nepal had been looking after the problems and prospects of Meche people living in Jhappa district. He said the literature and culture were two important components of a society. He praised the colourful cultural integration of Bodo and Meche people and hoped that it would enhance the emotional attachment of the Bodo people. He also said the government of Nepal would work for the development of the Meche community in Nepal.

Karki said for the protection and development of Meche -Bodo language, the government of Nepal would soon introduce Meche-Bodo language in primary schools as one of the language subjects. He hoped that the exchange of literature and culture of Bodo and Meche would boost the relationship of Bodo people as a whole.

Associate Professor of Gauhati University, Dr. Anil Boro said the Meche people of Nepal had been preserving the worship of Bathou, the aboriginal religion of the Bodos and they were also protecting Bodo language. He, however, said the young generation were seen to be diluting from their origin. He said the use of Bodo language by upcoming generation was declining and they spoke Nepali while the traditional dress ‘Dokhona’ was also not worn much. He said the Meche people could survive with their own identity and culture and the young generation must speak the Bodo language to protect its dialect.

The open meeting, which was inaugurated by the general secretary of the ABSU, Lawrence Islary, was jointly chaired by the president of BSS, Taren Boro and president of Boro -Meche Somaj Sibiyari Afad, Rupesh Meche. The meeting was addressed by Hikkmat Karki, Home Minister of Birat province of Nepal, MPs of Nepal, Kumari Meche and Ram Karki, BTC EM Ansumwi Khunggur Boro and other dignitaries.

Various cultural troupes from BTC, West Bengal, Nepal and other parts presented colourful cultural programmes. Earlier, the president of the BSS, Taren Boro hoisted the organizational flag of the Sabha while Rupesh Meche, president of Meche Somaj Sibiyari Afad, hoisted its organizational flag in the morning. In the three days’ programme, the delegates from BTC, West Bengal and Nepal discussed different issues of the Bodo people and also discussed various problems, besides resolving to introduce the Bodo language in the primary schools in that country.

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