In order to improve economic, agricultural, and educational scenario of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Tezpur University and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at KBR auditorium of Tezpur University.
The MoU was signed by Shri Dhiraj Saud, Secretary, BTC and Dr. Biren Das, Registrar, Tezpur University in presence of Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria, Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member, BTC, Prasanta Boro, Vice President, Bodo Sahitya Sabha and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Governor of Assam, Kataria hailed the signing of the MoU as the beginning of a new chapter in BTR as well as at Tezpur University towards contributing for academic and overall growth of the state. “I am glad that the MoU gives special emphasis on agriculture and developing agricultural related products in the BTR region. This is because the livelihood of the people of BTR is mainly based on agriculture and the region has lots of prospects which can be explored through this MoU”, Kataria said.
Governor Kataria expressed his happiness that through this agreement Bodofa (the Father of Bodos) Upendra Nath Brahma Chair would be established at Tezpur University. “I am eagerly waiting to see the establishment of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Chair at Tezpur University. Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma’s contributions to the Bodo community and his dedication to their cause is a source of inspiration. Therefore, I congratulate Tezpur University and BTC administration for having a chair named after the doyen”, Kataria said.
Governor Kataria also kicked off IEEE Smart Village Project through which sustainable rural community development program is run at Jhawani village (a small village located in Sonitpur district). The project is aimed at contributing to upliftment of rural livelihood through intervention of smart and sustainable technologies like solar powered plant, oil and pulse mills, cold storage facility and fishery.
Pramod Boro, while addressing the august gathering as Guest of honour, mentioned that BTR is an underdeveloped region and very few opportunities in terms of employability are available for Bodo people. “For years we have fought for our identity, and our leader Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma strived towards creating a better future for our community. Therefore, we need to embrace new ideas, create opportunities for our youth and invest in knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century”, Boro said.
“Through this MoU, we intend to drive innovation, enhance educational opportunities, and accelerate the overall growth of the region. Besides, we shall offer scholarships to five meritorious students, once the Upendra Nath Brahma chair is fully functional”, Boro further added.
Speaking on the occasion, VC of Tezpur University Shambhu Nath Singh said that the signing of the MoU is an occasion that brings together the spirit of progress, collaboration, and the fulfilment of aspirations. “BTC carries history, struggle and legacy of Bodo aspiration. Similarly, the establishment of Tezpur University is the outcome of the Assam movement, and therefore, the University has a greater responsibility to fulfil the aspiration of all stakeholders concerned. It is thus, no coincidence that Tezpur University and BTC are finding common areas of co-operation”, Singh said.
Singh lauded Pramod Boro for focusing on education. “I feel happy that BTC administration is giving priority to education. Because you won’t find a society which is developed economically and culturally, but educationally backward”, Singh said.
VC Singh informed the august audience that in order to start Upendra Nath Brahma Chair ratification from Academic Council and Board of Management has already been obtained.
Geetartha Darshan Barua, Officer Special Duty (OSD) to CEM, BTC explained the Background of the MoU by highlighting some of the thrust areas of cooperation such as, development of Knowledge Center at BTR with Tezpur University as hub and establishment of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) as a unit to develop agricultural activities.
A book “Warp and Weft, Textile Tradition of the Bodos”, by Dr. Juri Gogoi Knowar, Assistant Professor, Tezpur University was also released on the occasion. The University members and BTC administration also paid homage to Upendra Nath Brahma by lighting a lamp.
Apart from Tezpur University members, the ceremony was witnessed by students of neighbouring colleges and in the presence of All Bodo Students’ Union.