This is the advice Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer has given to the Bodos while addressing the 47th annual session of Bodo Sahitya Sabha.

“Be proud to be a Bodo and a citizen of Asom as well as of India,” said Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and in-charge of DoNER Mani Shankar Aiyer admist overwhelming warm and colourful reception studded with traditional music and dance while addressing as the chief guest in the 47th annual session of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) at Bodofa Nwgwr (Dotma).

“Unity in diversity, the very foundation of Indian nationalism, has further been established here. Different languages, food habits and dresses are not barriers for a true Hindustani,” the Union Minister said.

BSS president Brajendra Kumar Brahma handed over a memorandum to the Union minister urging him for the construction of a Rs 8.5-crore socio-cultural literary complex at Gorchuk, Ahomgaon in Guwahati to promote Bodo language and culture at the national and international levels. The BSS also has urged Aiyer for special Central funds from DoNER to provincialize all categories of Bodo medium venture schools and colleges. Aiyer assured the BSS of looking into the matter if it comes through the State Government in the form of a concrete proposal.

On granting special funds in the field of education, Aiyer assured the BSS of taking up the matter with Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh. “The future of Bodoland depends on the development of its younger generation,” he said. “Over the years, the Bodo movement for self-determination has jeopardised educational development in the community, and that needs to be improved,” Aiyer opined.

The Union minister also laid the foundation stone of the proposed India-Bodoland Indigenous (Tribal) Bodo Cultural Complex-cum-Film Studio at Bangaldoba-Holoadal. Mr. Aiyer assured that more fund would be released if Rs. 500 crore sanctioned found to be inadequate for completion of the project. He asserted that funds would not be a constraint for the project.

BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, Assam ministers Chandan Brahma and Pramila Rani Brahma and newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary were, among others, were present on the occasion. Mohilary said the proposed complex will be open for all communities living in the BTAD.

The Union minister also visited the secretariat complex of the BTC under construction and the special games complex currently managed by the Sports Authority of India. The BTC Legislative House and Secretariat complex on a plot of land measuring about 242 bighas are expected to be inaugurated by the end of this year. Talks for setting up of an airport in Chirang district near the BRPL is on with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, BTC sources revealed.

Mr. Aiyer expressed his happiness over the development process going on in the BTAD. However, later talking to newsmen, he ruled out any direct funding by the Centre to the council. Since there are no constitutional provisions for such direct funding, funds to be injected for the development in the BTAD will be only through the State Government, the Union Minister clarified.

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