“Where There Was Gunfire, There Is Music Now”: PM Modi at Guwahati

Guwahati: Prime MinisterNarendra Modi on Saturday attended the grand Bagurumba Dwhou cultural programme at Sarusajai in Guwahati. He was received at the venue by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma amid a massive gathering of spectators and cultural performers.

Addressing the audience before the Prime Minister’s speech, Chief Minister Sarma invoked the legacy of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, opening his remarks with the slogan “Jai Boro Harini.” He described Bagurumba as the living soul of Assam’s cultural heritage and said the evening would be etched in history as a defining milestone.

Prime Minister Modi began his address in Assamese and Bodo, extending Magh Bihu greetings to the people of the state. He said it was a privilege for him to experience Bodo culture so closely, noting that no previous Prime Minister had attended an event of this nature.

“Assam’s culture is the pride of India,” the Prime Minister said, highlighting steps taken by the BJP-led government, including granting classical language status to Assamese, associate language status to Bodo, declaring a state holiday for Bathou Puja, and installing statues of Lachit Borphukan and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma.

Reflecting on the state’s past, Modi said regions once associated with violence and fear are now resonating with the rhythms of the kham and sifung. “Where gunshots were once heard, today there is music, dance, and celebration. This transformation is not only Assam’s achievement but a matter of pride for the entire country,” he said.

Describing the Bodo Peace Accord as a turning point, the Prime Minister said it opened a new chapter of stability and development, with Bodo youth choosing progress over conflict. He also praised the role of young people in Assam’s growth and said the “double-engine” government had delivered on the mandate given by the people.

Launching a political attack, Modi accused the Congress of sidelining Assam’s culture and aspirations for decades. He alleged that the party had opposed the Bharat Ratna for Bhupen Hazarika, resisted key development projects, and ignored Bodoland’s concerns. “Congress never listened to Bodoland’s voice. They remembered the region only when it suited their politics,” he said.

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