Bathipara in Assam’s Kokrajhar district witnessed a historic moment as Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro laid the foundation stone for a memorial park in honor of Sujit Narzary, the first martyr of the Bodoland movement. The announcement marked a major step in commemorating the sacrifices made during the struggle for the rights and identity of the Bodo community.
Pramod Boro addressed the gathering with emotion and reverence. He emphasized the significance of remembering leaders like Sujit Narzary, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the aspirations of Bodoland. He said the memorial park would not only stand as a tribute but also as a source of inspiration for future generations who wish to understand the region’s struggle for autonomy and peace.
The CEM stated that the project aims to preserve the legacy of Sujit Narzary and instill pride among the Bodo people. He added that the government would complete the memorial with quality infrastructure, including a statue of Narzary, landscaped gardens, walkways, and educational displays highlighting key events of the Bodoland movement. According to him, the park will also serve as a public space where people can reflect on the historical sacrifices that shaped the present.
Family members of Sujit Narzary joined the foundation-laying ceremony and shared emotional words of gratitude. His younger brother recalled Sujit’s passion for justice and his commitment to the Bodo cause. He thanked the BTC for recognizing his brother’s contribution in such a meaningful way and said the family felt proud and humbled by the tribute.
BTC officials, community leaders, and local residents turned out in large numbers to attend the event. Cultural troupes performed traditional Bodo music and dance, filling the atmosphere with pride and unity. Students from nearby schools held placards with messages honoring Narzary and highlighting the importance of preserving the memory of freedom fighters.
Pramod Boro praised the younger generation for their growing interest in the region’s history. He encouraged schools and colleges to organize visits to the memorial park once it opens, so that students can understand the values that fueled the Bodoland movement. He reiterated that such initiatives play a crucial role in nation-building and preserving indigenous heritage.
BTC’s Urban Development and Cultural Affairs departments will oversee the construction of the park, which is expected to be completed within a year. Engineers have already begun soil testing and land preparation. The administration has allocated funds for the initial phase and will ensure that the memorial becomes a center of learning and remembrance.
As construction begins, villagers in Bathipara have come forward to support the project. Several local youths have volunteered to help with initial groundwork. Shopkeepers in the area expressed hope that the park would bring more visitors to the region and generate economic activity for small businesses.
Pramod Boro took time to interact with locals and assured them that the BTC administration remains committed to preserving the identity and culture of the Bodo people. He also announced plans to develop similar memorials for other prominent figures of the Bodoland movement, thereby creating a network of heritage sites across the BTC region.
Local leaders from civil society groups welcomed the initiative and called it a long-overdue step. They said that honoring martyrs must go beyond annual events and symbolic gestures. By building a permanent structure, the BTC administration has shown that it values the role of history in guiding present-day policy and unity.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence observed in Sujit Narzary’s memory. With the sun setting over the Bathipara field, the crowd dispersed slowly, carrying with them a renewed sense of purpose and pride in their shared history. The upcoming memorial park now stands as a promise to remember, respect, and carry forward the legacy of Bodoland’s first martyr.
Local artists have also shown interest in contributing to the memorial. Sculptors and muralists from the region have offered to work on installations that capture Sujit Narzary’s journey and the broader story of the Bodoland movement. The BTC Cultural Affairs Department has welcomed their proposals and plans to commission artwork that blends modern techniques with traditional Bodo motifs.
Historians from Bodoland University have expressed support for the initiative and are collaborating with the BTC to curate historical materials for the park. They plan to install plaques, photo galleries, and written accounts of Sujit Narzary’s contributions, as well as the events leading up to the formation of the BTC. This collaboration aims to provide educational value alongside commemorative significance.
Environmental planners have reviewed the site to ensure the memorial park aligns with sustainability standards. Landscape architects will plant native species of trees and shrubs around the area to maintain the ecological balance. A small water body and solar lighting are also part of the design to reduce the park’s environmental footprint.
Women’s groups from Kokrajhar and nearby villages have pledged to help with the upkeep of the park. Members of self-help groups have offered to maintain cleanliness, plant flower beds, and organize periodic cultural programs on the park grounds. They believe this shared responsibility will create a stronger bond between the community and the memorial.
The BTC administration plans to organize an annual “Sujit Narzary Day” at the park. This event will feature debates, poetry recitations, exhibitions, and inter-school competitions that reflect on themes of sacrifice, unity, and self-governance. Pramod Boro stated that remembering the past through active civic participation will strengthen democratic values across generations.
As news of the memorial spread, several NGOs working on indigenous rights and regional history have approached the BTC with interest in supporting awareness campaigns. These groups want to document oral histories related to Sujit Narzary and create outreach programs to educate students across Assam and Northeast India.
The Sujit Narzary Memorial Park project now carries the potential to become not just a local monument, but a landmark of regional significance. Through the collective efforts of the government, the people, and cultural institutions, the story of Bodoland’s first martyr is being revived for a new era of understanding and unity.