On March 15 (ANI), the third day of the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) took place at Bodofa Fwthar, Dotma, Kokrajhar. This event featured engaging debates, spirited competitions, and celebrations honoring the organization’s history. As per an ABSU statement, this four-day gathering, set to end on March 16, 2025, continues to be vital for promoting educational achievement, leadership skills, and cultural heritage.
The morning commenced with a series of events marked by active involvement from the participants. The concluding stages of the debating and literature competitions highlighted the sharp minds among the students, whereas the kabaddi and volleyball championships maintained the vibrant atmosphere through their thrilling games.
One major highlight of the day was the Gathering of Past ABSU Heads, honoring those who were instrumental in molding both the organization and the wider Bodo cause.
Surath Narzary, who serves as the President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha and was one of the original members of ABSU, launched "The History of All Bodo Students' Union and the Bodoland Movement - 1967-1993" (Volume 1). This book documents the progression of the movement. Urkhao Gwra Brahma, a Cabinet Minister from Assam and past president of ABSU, opened the event with an address titled "Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and His Vision for a Thriving Bodo Society."
Pramod Boro, who serves as the Chief Executive Member of BTR and previously was the president of ABSU, attended the event alongside various other distinguished former leaders.
The afternoon session featured an engaging discussion titled "Exploring Peace, Harmony, and Growth for Community Development in BTR and Assam: Moving Ahead."
The session commenced with an inaugural address by Prof. Ramesh Bhardwaj, the Vice-Chancellor of MVSV in Haryana, and was presided over by Kati Ram Baro, the Speaker of BTCLA. This platform enabled significant discussions between delegates from different student bodies, emphasizing opportunities for collaboration and shared advancement.
The president of ABSU, Dipen Boro, stressed the importance of providing opportunities for young individuals to thrive across various disciplines.
He said, “Our community’s young people possess significant potential across literature, athletics, and the arts. We must ensure they have access to essential tools such as mentors, support systems, and platforms for growth. Such events serve not just to honor emerging talents but also inspire future leaders to engage actively in policy-making, grasp historical contexts, and participate in state management. The prosperity of a society depends greatly on empowering its youth to guide, create new ideas, and uphold traditions inherited from earlier generations.”
Urkhao Gwra Brahma, the Cabinet Minister of Assam, emphasized the significance of acknowledging previous battles while striving for a more robust tomorrow.
He said, "Our leaders' heritage has consistently embodied resilience and advancement. The sacrifices they made have laid down pathways for our community to establish its identity and gain chances for development. Now, it falls upon the youth to continue this momentum through political participation, shaping policies, and upholding the principles that characterize us. By reinforcing our educational systems, cultural entities, and leadership structures, we can guarantee a prosperous future for Bodoland."
Pramod Boro, who leads BTR as the Chief Executive Member, pondered over the changing social and political environment and emphasized the importance of young people in crafting a forward-looking tomorrow.
He commented, "Our people’s ambitions have consistently revolved around unity, progress, and cultural endurance. Through fostering an environment that promotes conversation, enhances skills, and offers fair chances, we can foster significant change. These continuous exchanges aren’t just talks; they form the foundation for a future where our society thrives via wisdom, openness, and autonomy."
The day ended with the Last Delegate Sitting, which was a Special Session organized by the Bodo Mothers Association. During this session, various resolutions were adopted, marking yet another stride towards ABSU’s dedication to advocacy and empowerment. With the conference nearing its conclusion, the emphasis continues to be on establishing a robust and forward-thinking action plan. Bodo community .
On Thursday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the conference scheduled for March 16.
The Bodo people are among the original and native inhabitants residing in Assam for countless generations, making them the biggest tribal group within the region.
Bodo is included in Schedule VIII of the Constitution and is recognized as an Associated Official Language of Assam, serving as the mode of instruction up to Class XII. (ANI)
