New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Jhumoir Binandini 2025, a Mega Jhumoir programme in Guwahati, Assam, on Monday. Addressing the gathering, he said the event was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and excitement. He praised the artists for their impressive performance, which captured the essence and beauty of Assam’s tea gardens. He remarked that just as the people share a deep connection with Jhumoir and the tea garden culture, he too feels a similar bond. He added that the large-scale participation in the Jhumoir dance would set a record. Recalling his visit to Assam in 2023, when 11,000 artists performed the Bihu dance to set a record, he said it was an unforgettable memory and that he was looking forward to another remarkable performance. He congratulated the Assam government and the chief minister for organising such a grand cultural event. He also noted that it was a proud occasion for Assam, with the tea community and tribal groups actively participating in the celebrations.

He said events like this not only celebrate Assam’s rich heritage but also reflect the diversity of India. He pointed out that there was a time when Assam and the Northeast were overlooked in terms of development and cultural recognition. He said he had personally worked to promote the region and was the first prime minister to stay in Kaziranga and bring global attention to its biodiversity. He also highlighted that Assamese was recently granted classical language status, a long-awaited recognition for the people of Assam. He mentioned that Charaideo Moidam had been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, a significant achievement made possible through government efforts.

He spoke about Assam’s history and the legacy of Lachit Borphukan, who defended the region’s culture and identity against the Mughals. He recalled the grand celebrations held for Borphukan’s 400th birth anniversary and the inclusion of his tableau in the Republic Day parade. He said a 125-foot bronze statue of Borphukan had been erected in Assam, and the government had also initiated Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour the heritage of tribal communities. He added that tribal museums were being set up across the country to preserve and showcase their contributions.

He highlighted the government’s work for the development of Assam and the welfare of the tea tribe community. He mentioned that bonuses had been announced for Assam Tea Corporation workers to increase their earnings. He spoke about financial support provided to around 1.5 lakh women in tea gardens, who receive ₹15,000 during pregnancy to ease financial burdens. He also noted that the Assam government was opening over 350 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in tea gardens to improve healthcare access for workers and their families. More than 100 model tea garden schools have already been set up for the children of the tea tribe, with plans to open another 100. He also mentioned that the tea tribe youth now have a 3% reservation in the OBC quota and that the Assam government provides ₹25,000 in assistance for self-employment. He expressed confidence that the progress of the tea industry and its workers would contribute to Assam’s overall growth and take the Northeast to new heights. He thanked all participants in advance for their upcoming performance and wished them well.

The event was attended by the governor of Assam, the chief minister of Assam, union ministers S Jaishankar and Sarbananda Sonowal, the chief minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, and union minister of state Pabitra Margherita, among other dignitaries.

The Jhumoir Binandini 2025, a large-scale cultural event, featured 8,000 performers showcasing the Jhumoir dance, a folk tradition of the tea tribe and Adivasi communities of Assam. The event symbolised 200 years of Assam’s tea industry and 200 years of industrialisation in the state, reflecting the cultural unity and inclusivity of the region.

BI Bureau