Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on December 20 inaugurated the newly constructed Bathou Traditional and Cultural Centre in Bagansali, Kokrajhar. The centre, funded by the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) administration for Rs 5 crore, is a testament to the commitment to preserving indigenous culture in the region. During his visit to the Bodoland Territorial Region district, Chief Minister Sarma also participated in a Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra rally organized at Habrubari in Kokrajhar.
Addressing the ceremonial inauguration of the Bathou Traditional and Cultural Centre, Chief Minister Sarma acknowledged the significant contribution of the Bathou Temple at Bagansali, established in 1994, towards the spiritual upliftment of the residents of Kokrajhar. He emphasized the ancient roots of Bathou worship, highlighting its role in enriching Assam’s cultural and spiritual heritage for thousands of years. Chief Minister Sarma specifically praised the Kherai dance associated with the Bathou religion, noting its cultural significance and its reflection of spiritual awakening among followers.
Commending the BTR administration for generously funding the construction of the Bathou Traditional and Cultural Centre, Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence that the new structure would play a pivotal role in preserving and spreading the Bathou faith within the State and beyond. He underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding the cultural identities of indigenous communities, citing the establishment of the Directorate of Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture as part of this initiative.
Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Habrubari, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the rally’s objective of achieving cent per cent saturation in the enrollment of beneficiaries under key government schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, Suraksha Bima Yojana, and Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana. He urged eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of on-the-spot registration processes, ensuring they benefit from the various social sector schemes designed for their well-being.
Accompanying Chief Minister Sarma during his visit to Kokrajhar were Assam Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Ashok Singhal and BTR Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, among other dignitaries. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to fostering cultural preservation and inclusive development in the region.
