The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has hailed the official release of the Constitution of India in the Bodo language as a historic and deeply emotional moment for the community. The Union expressed its gratitude to the President of India and the Prime Minister for ensuring that the long-standing demand of Bodo-speaking people was fulfilled on the 76th Constitution Day. Leaders said the milestone marks a transformative chapter in the community’s cultural and linguistic journey.
In a statement issued after the release ceremony, ABSU leaders described the event as an honour bestowed upon the indigenous people of Assam. They emphasised that the Bodo language finally securing a place in one of the most important documents of the country reflects the nation’s commitment to inclusivity. The Union stated that the translated Constitution will empower the community by enabling wider understanding of constitutional rights, duties and democratic values.
Significance of the Translation for Linguistic Rights
The release of the Constitution in Bodo is expected to have a long-term impact on educational inclusion and legal accessibility. Scholars and activists believe the translation will bridge gaps for thousands of Bodo-speaking citizens who previously struggled to understand the Constitution in English and Hindi. The availability of the document in a Scheduled Tribe language also strengthens India’s broader mission of promoting linguistic diversity under the Eighth Schedule.
Experts say the translated text will be an important resource for students pursuing higher education in law, social sciences and governance. It will also help government employees, elected representatives and civil society workers engage with constitutional values in their mother tongue. Community members called the step “long overdue,” pointing out that the Bodo language has contributed significantly to Assam’s culture, literature and social identity.
ABSU’s Response Reflects Sentiment of the Community
ABSU President Dipen Boro lauded the central government for recognising the aspirations of the Bodo people. He said the release of the translated Constitution validates decades of struggle by students, scholars and community leaders. According to him, the step will add new momentum to the preservation and promotion of the Bodo language at national and international forums.
Senior members of ABSU recalled earlier demands placed before successive governments for major policy decisions related to language recognition. They said the release sends a strong message that India values multilingual voices, especially those belonging to indigenous communities. Leaders added that the move will strengthen unity among Bodo-speaking people across Assam, West Bengal, Nagaland and neighbouring regions.
Boost for Bodo Literature and Cultural Preservation
Writers and cultural activists believe the translation will spark renewed interest in Bodo literature. They say the presence of the Constitution in the community’s script will inspire more translations of classical works and government documents. Educators also expect a rise in research projects centered around the language’s historical evolution and contemporary usage.
The Bodo Sahitya Sabha, one of the oldest cultural institutions in the region, welcomed the decision as a powerful step toward cultural preservation. Members said that the new translated version will motivate young writers, students and researchers to deepen their engagement with the language. Many believe the development could influence the inclusion of additional legal and administrative documents in Bodo in the coming years.
Strengthening Indigenous Identity in Assam
The release of the Bodo-language Constitution comes at a time when indigenous identity and linguistic protection are major themes in Assam’s sociopolitical landscape. Analysts say the move will help strengthen the cultural confidence of the Bodo people, who have long advocated for political autonomy, economic development and recognition of their historical contributions.
The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) leadership has also welcomed the step. According to officials, the translated Constitution will encourage grassroots democratic participation and increase awareness of constitutional provisions among rural households. They said the initiative supports the peace and development efforts introduced under the Bodo Peace Accord, signed in 2020.
A Step Toward Greater Inclusion and Awareness
The historic release also aligns with national initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic values. The central government has recently taken measures to promote native languages under the National Education Policy (NEP), which stresses the importance of learning in mother tongues. The inclusion of Bodo in the constitutional framework is widely seen as a continuation of that effort.
Academics argue that the translation will enable deeper civic engagement in Bodo-majority areas. Legal experts say that increased accessibility to constitutional principles in local languages may improve public awareness about legal safeguards, fundamental rights and government policies. This, in turn, could help reduce misinformation and enhance trust in institutions.