Bend it like Bodoland! PM hails BTR's transformation

Time of India

7 hours ago

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Guwahati:
PM Modi
on Sunday said Assam's Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), which was once known for conflicts, is now being recognised for the footballing abilities of its youth.
Speaking during his monthly broadcast programme of 'Mann Ki Baat', the PM, in its 123rd episode, referred to the restoration of peace in BTR, saying, "Bodoland stands with a new identity in front of the nation.
The energy in the youth and their confidence is most evident on the football field."
BTR comprises of five districts — Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur.
Highlighting young footballers from the region, who have overcame numerous hardships and challenges to excel on the field, the PM spoke about the Bodoland CEM (Chief Executive Member's) Cup, currently taking place in BTR, saying, "not just a tournament, it has become a celebration of unity and hope".
"More than 3,700 teams, around 70,000 players — and among them, a large number of our daughters, too, have participated! These statistics tell the story of a big change in Bodoland," Modi said.
Recalling the days when Bodoland was known for conflicts and limited opportunities the PM pointed out that footballers from Bodoland were now gaining recognition at higher levels, specifically mentioning Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurna Narzary and Manabir Basumatary.
"Many of them, trained with limited resources, paved their way through challenges, and today, their names are an inspiration to the younger lot," Modi said.
He said, "Picture this — the morning sun touches the hills, its light slowly spilling into the plains. As the day breaks, a wave of football enthusiasts marches forward. The whistle blows and within moments, the ground erupts in cheers and slogans. With every pass, every goal, the excitement builds.
You must be wondering… what a beautiful world that is."
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the PM's broadcast on X and wrote, "The Bodoland CEM Cup — unthinkable before in this area — is a manifestation of how with the right leadership, the power of our youth can be harnessed to exploit talents instead of terror."