Agartala: In a proud moment for Assam, the legacy of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma was formally etched into the heart of the nation as Delhi unveiled his statue and renamed a major road in his honour, recognising his role in shaping the identity of Bodo and tribal communities.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah unveiled a nine-foot bronze statue of the late Bodo leader in New Delhi on Thursday. A central road in the capital was also renamed “Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg” to mark the 35th death anniversary of the leader, who is widely revered as the father of the Bodo movement.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Speaking at the event, Amit Shah described Bodofa as a symbol of peaceful resistance and tribal unity. “This statue is not only a tribute to Bodoland but to every community in the country that has fought to preserve its language, culture, and identity. Bodofa united the tribal society through non-violence and gave them a sense of dignity,” Shah said.
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He added that the statue reflects the self-respect of tribal societies across India and stands as a national recognition of Bodofa’s lifelong struggle for equality and justice.
Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, born in Assam, led a non-violent movement for the rights and recognition of the Bodo people. He is credited with giving the Bodo movement a strong ideological and moral foundation based on the principle of “live and let live.”
Shah also spoke about the progress of the Bodo Accord signed in 2020. “Ninety-six percent of the issues in the Accord have been resolved. The remaining will be addressed soon,” he said, reiterating the Centre’s commitment to peace and development in the North East.
Highlighting the Modi government’s approach to the region, Shah said, “Since 2014, we’ve signed over 20 peace agreements in the North East. More than 10,000 people have laid down arms and joined the mainstream.”
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He urged Bodo youth to continue following Bodofa’s teachings and contribute to Assam’s development, especially through the promotion of Bathou religion and traditional values. “Today Assam is becoming a hub for industrial investment. It’s time to take forward the legacy Bodofa left behind,” he said.
Bodofa passed away on May 1, 1990. His ideas continue to inspire generations of Bodo and tribal youth across Assam and India.
(With inputs from PIB)