NEW DELHI, Nov 16:   Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the ‘1st Bodoland Mahotsav,’ a two-day event dedicated to language, literature, and culture, aimed at fostering peace and building a vibrant Bodo society. The event, held in New Delhi, marks a significant step in celebrating unity and prosperity in Bodoland after decades of conflict.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi expressed his delight in inaugurating the mahotsav and congratulated the Bodo people from across the country for uniting to celebrate a future of peace and cultural revival. He called the occasion a historic moment, signifying the end of 50 years of violence and the beginning of a peaceful and prosperous era in Bodoland.

The Prime Minister praised the Bodo community for creating a new chapter in history through struggle and mediation, highlighting the symbolic significance of the Ranachandi dance in showcasing the strength of Bodoland. Recalling his 2020 visit to Kokrajhar after the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord, he reflected on the overwhelming warmth and love he received from the Bodo people, a sentiment he said he continued to feel even after four years.

PM Modi reiterated his earlier words to the Bodo people about a “new dawn of peace and prosperity” in the region. He commended the people for choosing peace over violence and emphasized the strong foundation laid for a bright future through the accord.

Highlighting the impact of the Bodo Peace Accord, PM Modi said that more than 10,000 youths in Assam have laid down arms and embraced the path of development. He also underscored the success of other peace agreements, such as the Karbi Anglong Accord, the Bru-Reang Accord, and the NLFT-Tripura Accord, which he said were once considered unimaginable.

The Prime Minister expressed his pride in seeing former youth militants now excelling in various fields, including sports. He described the hosting of two editions of the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar, with participation from teams in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, as a historic achievement for the region.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav is a testament to the transformative power of peace and unity, symbolizing the progress made in Bodoland and its promising future.