The Union Government has officially approved the renaming of a prominent road in the national capital in honour of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. The move has sparked an emotional wave of gratitude and pride among the Bodo community. UG Brahma, the Rajya Sabha MP from Assam and a prominent Bodo leader himself, has extended his heartfelt thanks to the Centre for acknowledging the legacy of the revered leader by renaming the road.
The road, formerly known as North Avenue Extension, now carries the name of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, often referred to as the Father of the Bodos. This symbolic act marks a significant moment in the cultural recognition of Assam’s indigenous communities. UG Brahma has hailed the decision as a tribute not only to Bodofa Brahma’s extraordinary vision but also to the continuous efforts of the Bodo people to uphold their identity and heritage within India’s diverse fabric.
UG Brahma visited the site of the renamed road and addressed the media, stating that the renaming stands as a testimony to Bodofa Brahma’s lasting impact on the socio-political transformation of the Bodo society. He recalled how Bodofa’s ideology and reformative leadership had once united a community that was grappling with neglect and marginalisation. He said that Bodofa Brahma never sought personal power but instead devoted his life to education, empowerment, and peaceful assertion of identity.
The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), which Bodofa Brahma once led, expressed gratitude through various events and social media campaigns. Many leaders and former students spoke about Brahma’s emphasis on knowledge, unity, and cultural preservation. The organization announced that it would launch a campaign to raise awareness among the younger generation about Bodofa Brahma’s contribution to the community and to India’s democratic dialogue.
The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government also responded warmly to the Centre’s decision. Leaders from all four districts of BTR gathered to discuss how the renaming would reinforce the importance of unity and resilience among ethnic communities in the region. The Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council assured that the council would continue to press for the inclusion of Bodofa Brahma’s philosophies in school and college curricula to ensure his vision lives on.
The recognition at a national level has sparked broader conversations on representation and acknowledgment of leaders from Northeast India. Cultural scholars have pointed out that such steps help bridge historical invisibility and foster a more inclusive national narrative. Writers and artists have also pledged to contribute toward reviving Bodofa Brahma’s ideas through books, plays, and documentaries.
Several public intellectuals and social reformers in Assam praised the government’s decision, saying it offers a symbolic but powerful message that India’s diversity lies in the celebration of every cultural strand. Political observers noted that the renaming not only pays homage to Bodofa Brahma but also marks a step toward empowering communities that have long sought a place in the country’s central consciousness.
UG Brahma also emphasized the need to follow up this symbolic act with developmental action in Bodo-dominated areas. He said the road renaming is deeply appreciated, but the region continues to need investments in education, healthcare, and employment to fully realise Bodofa’s dream of an empowered Bodo society.
He assured the people of Assam and BTR that he would continue to raise their voices in the Rajya Sabha and ensure that such recognitions are accompanied by practical reforms. He also extended his invitation to the Prime Minister and Union ministers to visit the region and witness the cultural richness and potential of the Bodo heartland.
The renaming has already inspired several student-led initiatives and events across Assam. Colleges and universities in the region have announced seminars, essay competitions, and lectures dedicated to Bodofa Brahma’s life. Young leaders in the community say they feel more connected to the national discourse and believe their stories matter. This sentiment appears to reflect exactly what Bodofa Brahma had always championed—an inclusive India where every voice, no matter how distant or different, finds respect and recognition.
