Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Assam, highlighted the state’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and global recognition in the tea industry. Attending the grand Jhumoir Binandini event in Guwahati, Modi celebrated 200 years of Assam’s tea industry and the vibrant traditions of the tea tribe community.
The event, organized by the Assam government, was a historic showcase of Jhumoir dance, performed by a record-breaking 9,000 dancers and drummers. With diplomats from over 60 countries in attendance, the celebration put Assam’s rich legacy on an international platform.
PM Modi’s Speech: Assam’s Tea and Cultural Pride
Addressing the massive gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the importance of Assam’s tea industry, which has been a crucial part of India’s economic and cultural history. Referring to his own background as a tea-seller, Modi remarked:
“Who will understand the smell and quality of tea better than a chaiwallah?”
His statement resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing Assam’s contribution to the global tea industry and its role in shaping the identity of India. He reiterated the importance of the Northeast as the pride of India and described himself as its “best brand ambassador.”
Modi also highlighted the international dimension of the event, noting, “Today, over 60 ambassadors from different countries will be able to feel Assam. They will take the flavour of tea with themselves.”
His remarks underscored the global appeal of Assam Tea and how the event served as a bridge between Assam’s heritage and the world stage.
Jhumoir Binandini: A Historic Celebration of Assam’s Culture
The Jhumoir Binandini event was a grand spectacle, featuring the traditional Jhumoir dance, which holds immense significance among Assam’s tea tribes.
- 9,000 dancers and drummers took part in a synchronized performance, setting a historic record.
- The Prime Minister toured the stadium in a special vehicle, greeting the performers and the audience before the dance began.
- The event concluded with a dazzling laser show, narrating Assam’s cultural journey.
The participation of thousands of artists highlighted the deep cultural roots of the tea tribes, whose contributions have shaped the tea industry over the past two centuries.
PM Modi’s Reaction: A Tribute to Assam’s Heritage
Following the event, Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration for the grand performance and Assam’s cultural legacy. “Every moment of Jhumoir Binandini was pure magic! This was an experience that touched the soul. As we celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea, this programme beautifully merges history, culture, and emotion. The culture of the tea tribes, their spirit, and their deep connection to the land—it all came alive today. I compliment all the artists who took part in this programme. I bow to the culture and traditions of Assam.”
His heartfelt message acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Assam’s tea communities and the state’s vibrant traditions.
Diplomatic Presence: Assam’s Cultural Message to the World
The Jhumoir Binandini event also had a major diplomatic presence, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and diplomats from over 60 countries attending the celebration.
The presence of international representatives emphasized the global impact of Assam’s tea industry and its rich cultural heritage. By bringing foreign dignitaries into the heart of Assam’s traditions, the event successfully positioned Assam as a major cultural and economic hub.
Importance of Assam’s Tea Legacy
The 200-year-old Assam tea industry has been a defining feature of India’s global trade. Known for its strong flavor and bold aroma, Assam tea has gained international recognition, contributing majorly to India’s tea exports.
The event served as a reminder of the crucial role played by tea workers and the tea tribe community in sustaining the industry. Over the decades, their efforts have made Assam one of the leading tea-producing regions in the world.
PM Modi’s visit and participation in the event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering tea workers, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting Assam Tea as a global brand.
The Jhumoir Binandini event was a grand tribute to Assam’s rich tea legacy and its vibrant cultural traditions. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence, a historic Jhumoir dance performance, and international diplomatic participation, the event successfully highlighted Assam’s importance on both a national and global scale.
PM Modi’s emotional connection with Assam’s tea heritage, his praise for the tea tribe community, and his vision for Assam as a global tea and cultural hub were the key takeaways from this historic celebration.
As Assam marks 200 years of its tea industry, the state continues to uphold its deep-rooted traditions while striving for greater global recognition. The event has set a new benchmark for cultural celebrations in India, reinforcing the Northeast’s role as the pride of the nation.
