Kokrajhar: The 163rd birth anniversary of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma, a great social reformer and founder of Brahma dharma among the Bodo community was observed today in various parts of the state of Assam.
On his birth anniversary a statue of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma was unveiled in Bodoland University Campus in Kokrajhar.
The chief executive member of BTR Pramod Boro unveiled the statue at a ceremonial program organised by Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust and Bodoland University. Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma was also present on the occasion.
A Yoyga-ahuti was also performed on the day to mark the observance followed by floral tribute to Gurudev. On the occasion, Manaranjan Brahma was presented Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2022 with a citation and a cash amount of Rs 50 thousand by Pramod Boro, CEM of BTC.
The BTR chief executive member Pramod Boro said Gurudev said Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma contribution towards the social change and socio-economic development among the Bodo and other down trodden communities is immense. Gurudev worked tirelessly for the renaissance among the Bodos Kachari society and dedicated his whole life in working for social upliftment, development and social change, he said.
“We are very lucky to have such a great spiritual leader like Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma in our Bodo society, because without his teaching we could not imagine to have today’s transformed Bodo society”, he added.
He stressed for creating literature on the deeds and contribution of all spiritual leaders of Bodo society.
Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma said the teachings, co-operative movement & socio-economic renaissance in lower Assam was indeed a pioneer in bringing necessary social transformation & upliftment.
The Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Biswajit Daimary, attributed the upliftment of present Bodo society “because of the sacrifice and contribution made by Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma, among the Bodo people. He taught how to live the life through the teachings of Brahma Dharma and the importance of a good society
Gurudev had submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission in Shillong in 1929 demanding Bodo regiment along with 11 points charter of demands and urged the Commission to take care for the protections of indigenous people, their socio-economic and education among others.
Gurudev Karmachari Brahma, who was born on the 18th April, 1860 had a speculative mission to work towards the all round development of the Bodos. He began his work by preaching Brahma Dharma amongst the Bodos in 1906 when the Bodos were considered untouchable by many upper caste communities in Assam. Under the leadership of Gurudev Kalicharna Brahma, Goalpara district Bodo Satra Sannmilan was form in 1919, Farmers Association was founded in 1923, a Weaving Centre was setup in 1925 at Tipkai, Village development committee was form in 1925, Boro Mahila Sanmilan was formed in 1925 and ‘Boros Pandulipi’ was written in 1934 which were instrumental in social upliftment of the downtrodden Bodo community.
He died on 8th May 1938.
Gurudev Kalicharan birth anniversary was also observed at Gurudham, Kazigaon in Kokrajhar district, with a day-long programme. As part of the programme, homage was paid at the statue of Gurudev.
The program was also attended by chief executive member of Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Mihiniswar Basumatary, secretary of the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust Dr Ajit Boro, Vice chancellor of Bodoland University Vice Chancellor of Bodoland University Prof Laishram Ladudingh were among those present.