Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary visited Tamulpur district in Assam on April 10, 2025, where he expressed admiration for the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community. During his visit to the tribal-dominated regions along the Indo-Bhutan border, he engaged with local leaders and community members while immersing himself in traditional Bodo customs and practices. His presence in the region drew widespread attention, as it highlighted a rare interaction between western Indian leadership and the vibrant ethnic diversity of the northeast.
Speaker Chaudhary participated in a cultural programme organized in his honour by the Bodo community. The event showcased indigenous music, dance, and traditional attire, which reflected the unique identity and resilience of the Bodo people. He commended the community for preserving their cultural roots while also contributing to India’s broader national fabric. He said that the traditional values of the Bodo community continue to inspire generations and remain vital to the country’s diverse unity.
The Speaker stressed the importance of cultural exchange between different regions of India. He noted that his visit to Assam allowed him to gain firsthand insight into the traditions and lifestyles of the Bodo community, and he encouraged others to engage in similar efforts to understand India’s rich ethnic mosaic. While speaking to local leaders and youth representatives, he urged them to take pride in their heritage and to continue showcasing it on national and international platforms.
Chaudhary also addressed developmental concerns in the region. He emphasized the need for continued infrastructure growth, improved connectivity, and social welfare projects that respect and integrate local customs. He expressed confidence that the government’s development agenda will ensure inclusive growth for tribal populations and border communities without compromising their cultural identities.
The local administration extended a warm welcome to the Gujarat Speaker. Tamulpur MLA Leho Ram Boro accompanied Chaudhary throughout the visit, helping coordinate community interactions and presenting key developmental issues to him. The Speaker assured the gathering that he would convey these regional concerns to the appropriate authorities and continue advocating for policies that benefit the people of the northeast.
During a stop at a local school, Chaudhary interacted with students and teachers, encouraging them to embrace their cultural heritage while aiming high in their academic and personal lives. He praised the role of education in empowering communities and stressed the need to improve learning infrastructure in border areas. The visit turned into a platform for discussing how tribal youth can actively participate in India’s growth story while staying rooted in their traditional values.
Community elders offered symbolic gifts to the Speaker, including a traditional Aronai scarf, which he wore with pride throughout the cultural ceremony. In his speech, he reiterated his respect for the resilience of border communities who face unique challenges in daily life. He said that the cultural vibrancy and unity displayed by the Bodo people serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
The Speaker’s visit concluded with a tour of the Indo-Bhutan border area where he observed security installations and spoke with local officials about maintaining harmony and cooperation across the border. He acknowledged the critical role of border communities in maintaining peace and said that their voices must be heard in national development discourse.
By the end of the day, Speaker Chaudhary left Tamulpur with a renewed appreciation for the cultural and strategic significance of the region. His visit not only celebrated Bodo heritage but also brought national attention to the challenges and aspirations of Assam’s tribal belt along the Indo-Bhutan border.
