Kokrajhar Marks 25th Death Anniversary of Martyr Bineswar Brahma

The 25th death anniversary of Martyr Bineswar Brahma, a highly respected figure in the Bodo community and former president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, was observed with solemnity and reverence at his burial site in Chandamari, Kokrajhar, on Tuesday. The commemoration was a moment of collective remembrance for the contributions of Brahma, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Bodo literary movement and strengthening the cultural identity of the Bodo people.

Bineswar Brahma was assassinated on August 19, 2000, by unidentified assailants, a tragic incident that left the Bodo community in deep grief. Despite his untimely and shocking death, Brahma continues to be remembered as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the promotion and preservation of the Bodo language, literature, and culture. Since his death, the Bodo Sahitya Sabha has marked this day annually as a tribute to his enduring legacy, ensuring that the younger generations remain aware of his sacrifices and vision for the community.

This year’s observance began with the ceremonial hoisting of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha flag at half-mast by the Sabha’s current president, Dr. Surath Narzary. This act was followed by floral tributes placed at Brahma’s burial site and his statue, symbolizing the deep respect and gratitude of the Bodo people towards their leader. The atmosphere was one of solemn reflection, as the community gathered to remember the sacrifices Brahma made for the upliftment of his people and the protection of their cultural heritage.

After the tributes, an open discussion session was held, providing a platform for speakers and community members to reflect on Brahma’s invaluable contributions. The session highlighted his tireless efforts in promoting the Bodo language and literature, as well as his strong advocacy for cultural empowerment. Speakers emphasized that Brahma was not just a literary leader but also a guiding light for the Bodo movement, shaping a vision where the identity, rights, and dignity of the Bodo people would always remain intact. His leadership was recognized as a crucial turning point in the Bodo cultural renaissance, inspiring unity and pride among his people.

The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries and leaders, signifying the importance of Brahma’s legacy even 25 years after his death. Among the attendees were Assam Cabinet Minister UG Brahma, MLA Lawrence Islary, BTC Legislative Assembly Speaker Katiram Boro, and Kokrajhar University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gonesh Wary. Each of them paid their respects to the martyr, offering floral tributes and delivering speeches that underscored the depth of his influence.

The dignitaries collectively acknowledged Bineswar Brahma as a visionary who laid the foundation for a stronger cultural identity of the Bodo people. They pledged to continue his mission by further strengthening the Bodo literary movement, ensuring cultural preservation, and safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities. Their commitment reflected the unity of purpose shared across different sections of society in keeping Brahma’s vision alive.

Overall, the commemoration served not only as a solemn remembrance of Brahma’s sacrifice but also as a reaffirmation of his ideals. The event highlighted the collective responsibility of the Bodo community and its leadership to carry forward his mission of protecting language, literature, and cultural heritage. By honoring him year after year, the Bodo Sahitya Sabha and the broader community ensure that his legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.