In a heartfelt gesture honouring one of India’s most respected tribal leaders, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveiled a nine-foot statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma in New Delhi, along with the naming of a prominent road and rotary after him. The ceremony, held on the 35th death anniversary of Bodofa, was attended by several dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta.
Bodofa Upendranath Brahma is remembered not just as a leader of the Bodo community, but as a symbol of peaceful resistance, identity, and dignity for tribal communities across the nation. Revered for his philosophy of “live and let live,” Bodofa championed the cause of equal rights and cultural preservation without resorting to violence. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations to fight for justice through dialogue and unity.
Speaking at the event, Shri Amit Shah described the statue as a tribute not only to Bodoland but to all those across India who have struggled to preserve their language, religion, and cultural identity. He emphasized that this statue in the heart of the capital is a symbol of self-respect and recognition for tribal communities nationwide.
Reflecting on the broader progress in the region, the Home Minister affirmed that 96% of the issues outlined in the 2020 Bodo Accord have already been resolved, with the remaining to be addressed soon. The accord, signed after extensive dialogue, brought thousands into the mainstream and marked a major step toward lasting peace in Assam.
Shri Shah also acknowledged the sorrow caused by recent acts of terrorism, particularly the Pahalgam attack, offering condolences and assuring the nation that every life lost is a shared loss. Reiterating the government’s firm stance, he declared that the Modi administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, with global support behind India’s fight.
The Home Minister praised the unity and progress made in Assam, noting that today the Bodo people and the rest of Assam embrace each other as equal partners in growth. He urged Bodo youth to uphold the values of the Bathou religion and contribute to the development of their state and the country at large.
Highlighting the government’s developmental push in the North East, Shri Shah said that more than 20 peace accords have been signed under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, resulting in over 10,000 former insurgents surrendering their arms. With 78% of the agreements’ provisions fulfilled in just a few years, the region is witnessing a transformation rooted in trust and action.
He proudly called attention to the rich diversity of the North East, home to over 220 ethnic groups, 160 tribes, 200 languages, and a vibrant array of cultural expressions. Shri Shah emphasized that the region is not just a part of India—it is a jewel in the nation’s cultural crown. Prime Minister Modi’s more than 50 visits to the North East underscore the central government’s deep commitment to its development and integration.
As the statue of Bodofa stands tall in the nation’s capital, it does more than honour a man—it stands as a beacon of peace, pride, and progress for all marginalized voices striving to be heard and respected.
