NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, conducted a grand roadshow in Guwahati ahead of the ‘Jhumoir Binandini’ event at Sarusajai Stadium. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the deep-rooted connection he shares with the people, just as they cherish the rich tradition of Jhumoir and the tea garden culture. He lauded the Assam government and its Chief Minister for organizing a magnificent cultural event.
PM Modi arrived in Assam for a two-day visit, during which he will inaugurate the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit the next day. The mega Infrastructure and Investment Summit will witness the participation of several Union Ministers, industrialists, heads of missions, and ambassadors.
Upon his arrival in Guwahati, the Assam Chief Minister welcomed the Prime Minister at the airport. Later, taking to X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his honor in receiving the world’s most popular leader, stating that PM Modi’s vision serves as an inspiration in their pursuit of building a “Viksit Assam.”
Jhumoir, a traditional folk dance of Assam’s Tea Tribe and Adivasi communities, reflects the essence of inclusivity, unity, and cultural pride, embodying Assam’s diverse cultural heritage.
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Dr. S. Jaishankar and Sarbananda Sonowal, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, and Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, among others. The people of Assam warmly welcomed PM Modi as he made his way to the ‘Jhumoir Binandini’ programme, with the Prime Minister acknowledging the crowd by waving both hands upon reaching the stage at Sarusajai Stadium.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi praised the electrifying atmosphere, filled with energy, enthusiasm, and excitement. He appreciated the remarkable efforts of the Jhumoir artists, emphasizing that their performance beautifully encapsulated the spirit of Assam’s tea gardens. He reiterated his deep connection with the tea garden culture and remarked that the large-scale performance of Jhumoir would create a new record. Reflecting on his previous visit to Assam in 2023, where 11,000 artists performed the Bihu dance and set a record, he shared his anticipation for a similarly mesmerizing performance at the current event.
Congratulating the Assam government and its Chief Minister for orchestrating such a splendid cultural celebration, PM Modi emphasized that the day was a moment of pride for Assam, as the tea community and tribal groups took center stage. He extended his best wishes to all participants, underscoring that such grand cultural events not only honor Assam’s heritage but also exemplify India’s incredible diversity.
The Prime Minister highlighted how Assam and the Northeast were historically neglected in terms of development and cultural recognition. He affirmed that today, he has taken it upon himself to serve as the brand ambassador for Northeastern culture. He proudly mentioned that he is the first Prime Minister to stay in Kaziranga National Park, thereby bringing global
PM Modi paid tribute to Assam’s valiant warrior, Lachit Borphukan, who fiercely defended the region’s culture and identity against the Mughal invasion. He recalled the grand celebration of Lachit Borphukan’s 400th birth anniversary and noted that his tableau was featured in the Republic Day parade. Additionally, he highlighted the installation of a 125-foot bronze statue of Lachit Borphukan in Assam as a symbol of his legacy. The Prime Minister also spoke about the introduction of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor the tribal community’s heritage, along with the establishment of tribal museums across the country to immortalize the contributions of tribal warriors.
Focusing on Assam’s development and the upliftment of the ‘Tea Tribe’ community, PM Modi mentioned the Assam government’s recent announcement of bonuses for Assam Tea Corporation workers, aimed at improving their livelihoods. He highlighted the financial support provided to around 1.5 lakh women working in tea gardens, who receive ₹15,000 during pregnancy to ease their economic burden. Furthermore, he noted the government’s efforts in opening over 350 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in tea gardens to ensure healthcare access for workers’ families.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the Assam government’s initiatives to enhance education for children in tea garden communities, citing the establishment of more than 100 model tea garden schools, with plans for an additional 100. He pointed out the provision of a 3% reservation under the OBC quota for the Tea Tribe youth and a financial assistance scheme of ₹25,000 for self-employment. Expressing optimism about Assam’s future, he stated that the progress of the tea industry and its workers would be instrumental in driving the state’s overall growth and elevating the Northeast to greater heights. He concluded by extending his best wishes to all participants and expressing his gratitude for their contributions to the event.