The 98th birth anniversary of Ustad Kamini Kumar Narzary, a legendary figure who played a pivotal role in promoting Bodo culture, particularly the traditional Bodo Bagurumba dance, on national and international platforms, was celebrated in Kokrajhar on November 9.
The event which aimed to honuor Narzary's lifelong contributions to the cultural heritage of the Bodo community was held at the central office premises of All Bodo Harimu Apha.
The celebration began with a flag hoisting ceremony conducted by the president of All Bodo Harimu Apha, Bijuel Nelson Basumatary, followed by paying tributes to the late Ustad Kamini Kumar Narzary.
Several prominent personalities, including Assam's Cabinet Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma were present at the event. Brahma expressed deep admiration for Narzary's enduring influence on Bodo culture.
Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, in his address, announced the government's decision to support the establishment of a regional dance academy in the name of Ustad Kamini Kumar Narzary. This initiative aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural traditions that Narzary worked tirelessly to bring into the limelight.
Ustad Kamini Kumar Narzary, born on November 9, 1926, in Bamnakura village of Kokrajhar district, was not only a master of the Bodo Bagurumba dance but also a cultural ambassador who showcased Bodo heritage to the world. Narzary passed away on May 16, 1998, but his legacy continues to inspire generations.
An insightful discussion session was also held as part of the event, focusing on the Ustad's significant contributions to the Bodo cultural landscape. Speakers reflected on how his work in preserving and promoting the dance and music traditions of the Bodo community helped bridge cultural gaps and brought the community into the national and international spotlight.
In recognition of his contributions, the BTC (Bodoland Territorial Region) Government has officially declared the celebration of his birth anniversary as "Boro Harumu Shaan," a day dedicated to honoring his cultural legacy.
The event, which was attended by cultural enthusiasts and community leaders, also featured cultural performances, including the traditional Bodo Bagurumba dance, a symbol of the rich cultural heritage that Ustad Kamini Kumar Narzary dedicated his life to preserving.
As the celebrations concluded, attendees expressed their commitment to furthering Ustad Kamini Kumar Narzary’s vision of making Bodo culture an integral part of India's diverse cultural mosaic.