The Central Institute of Technology (CIT) Kokrajhar became the epicenter of literary celebration on April 6, 2025, as it hosted the 50th anniversary of two landmark Bodo literary works. The Natives’ Institute of Bodology took the lead in organizing the commemorative event that honored “Okhrang Gonse Nangou” by the late Bajendra Kumar Brahma and “Hagra Guduni Mwi” by the late Nikamal Brahma. Both texts continue to hold immense significance in Bodo literature and cultural identity.
The organizers filled the Bajendra Kumar Brahma Seminar Hall with passionate voices from literary, academic, and cultural circles who paid tribute to the legacies of the authors. Students, researchers, writers, and cultural historians assembled to reflect on how these two texts shaped modern Bodo consciousness and preserved indigenous knowledge systems.
Faculty members from CIT Kokrajhar collaborated closely with the Institute of Bodology to ensure the program reflected both academic insight and emotional connection. The participants emphasized that “Okhrang Gonse Nangou” continues to inspire generations through its lyrical storytelling and emotional depth, while “Hagra Guduni Mwi” still resonates for its socio-cultural commentary and poetic brilliance.
Literary scholars from across Assam and neighbouring states contributed their analyses during panel discussions that focused on the symbolism, style, and thematic evolution of Bodo literature over the past five decades. They praised both authors for their revolutionary approach to language and storytelling, which played a crucial role in preserving Bodo heritage during times of political and cultural turbulence.
Cultural performers staged dramatized excerpts from the literary works, breathing life into characters that had lived in print for fifty years. The students of CIT Kokrajhar captivated the audience with their recitations and musical renditions inspired by the texts. Their performances underlined how contemporary youth still find relevance in these literary pieces.
Local leaders, including literary council representatives and regional Bodo organizations, joined the event and emphasized the need for including such texts in formal education curricula. They stressed that these works not only served as literary treasures but also as tools for linguistic pride and cultural reclamation.
Keynote speakers urged the Bodo community to digitize these masterpieces for global access and posterity. They discussed translation initiatives that would help reach non-Bodo speakers and scholars worldwide. By doing so, they hoped to establish Bodo literature within the larger Indian literary framework.
The event also witnessed the launch of a commemorative publication that compiled essays, memoirs, and archival material related to the two works and their authors. Family members of the late Bajendra Kumar Brahma and Nikamal Brahma attended the occasion and expressed gratitude for the continued admiration and respect shown to the legacy of their loved ones.
CIT Kokrajhar reaffirmed its commitment to promoting indigenous education and research. The administration pledged ongoing support for events that spotlight cultural icons and their literary contributions. Faculty members announced a new academic research initiative focused on regional literature, with special attention to Bodo language and texts.
The anniversary celebration turned into a broader call for cultural resurgence among the Bodo people. Activists and students voiced the importance of integrating literature, history, and identity through storytelling and academic documentation. They urged communities to pass on such literature to younger generations not just through print but also via digital storytelling and community workshops.
The organizing committee announced plans for a year-long campaign to bring Bodo literature into mainstream discussions through seminars, school outreach programs, and national conferences. They invited scholars from other indigenous communities to collaborate and draw parallels across regional narratives.
The event concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the authors whose literary voices still echo through the hills and valleys of Bodoland. Attendees lit ceremonial lamps to honor the spirits of Bajendra Kumar Brahma and Nikamal Brahma, reaffirming their enduring influence on the region’s literary and cultural fabric. Through this gathering, CIT Kokrajhar didn’t just celebrate books—it celebrated identity, heritage, and the resilient spirit of a community bound together by the power of the written word.
The anniversary event also sparked critical conversations about the state of indigenous publishing in Assam and the broader Northeastern region. Publishers and independent presses attending the symposium acknowledged the lack of infrastructure and funding for Bodo and other tribal literature. They called for targeted policies to support writers working in regional languages and ensure their voices reach a wider readership.
Student unions and youth representatives who joined the occasion used the platform to demand government-backed literary fellowships and scholarships for budding writers from tribal communities. They argued that initiatives promoting grassroots storytelling could preserve oral traditions while creating new literary milestones like the ones being honored.
Educators present at the celebration stressed the importance of integrating indigenous literature into primary and secondary school syllabi. They shared insights on how early exposure to culturally rooted texts helps children develop a stronger sense of identity and respect for diversity. The emphasis remained on nurturing pride in Bodo culture while promoting critical thinking through literary engagement.
Art exhibitions flanked the main venue, showcasing visual interpretations of themes and characters from “Okhrang Gonse Nangou” and “Hagra Guduni Mwi.” Local artists, both amateur and professional, displayed paintings and sketches that brought scenes from the novels to life. Visitors moved through the gallery, drawing connections between visual art and literature, inspired by the emotional intensity each work conveyed.
Organizers announced plans for a digital archive that would preserve rare manuscripts, letters, and photographs of the two authors. The archive aims to create a virtual library accessible to researchers and enthusiasts worldwide. They plan to include voice recordings, critical essays, and documentaries to enhance user engagement and learning.
Bodo diaspora members, attending the event virtually from places like Delhi, Bangalore, and even international cities, expressed their joy through live interactions. Many credited these books for helping them stay connected to their roots, even while living far from home. Their presence highlighted how the legacy of Bodo literature transcends geographic boundaries.
In a symbolic gesture, schoolchildren were invited on stage to receive free copies of the two books, newly printed in a special anniversary edition. The gesture aimed to pass the literary torch to the next generation and instill a lifelong connection with their heritage. Teachers who accompanied them promised to guide students in reading and interpreting the texts meaningfully.
Panelists proposed the establishment of an annual Bodo Literary Day in memory of the authors. They argued that such a day could serve as an anchor for future events that celebrate other Bodo writers and promote new literary talent. Participants left the venue with a renewed sense of purpose, committed to sustaining and expanding the cultural legacy that Bajendra Kumar Brahma and Nikamal Brahma had left behind.