The Bodo Language: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Key Personalities
Welcome to a world where language is not just a tool for communication but a gateway to a rich cultural heritage. Today, we’re exploring the Bodo language which is spoken by the Bodo people of Assam and surrounding regions. From its ancient roots to its modern revival, the story of Bodo is one of resilience, community, and pride. In this video, we’ll discover the pivotal personalities who have shaped its journey, dive into its literary treasures, and explore its lasting influence on the culture of Northeast India.
Let’s begin this fascinating exploration . The Bodo language is part of the Tibeto-Burman language family and is spoken by the Bodo people, primarily in Assam and parts of neighbouring states like Meghalaya and West Bengal. But did you know that the Bodo language is also spoken across borders in countries like Nepal?
Over 1.4 million people use this language as their mother tongue. Fact: Bodo is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. That’s right! Bodo is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, meaning it enjoys constitutional recognition and protection. But that wasn’t always the case.
The journey of Bodo, from being a local dialect to achieving national recognition, is filled with struggle, resilience, and dedication. One of the most influential figures in this journey is Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, often referred to as the ‘Father of the Bodo’ . His contribution to the Bodo cause is immense. Born in 1956, Brahma believed that language and identity were inseparable. He led a movement to protect the Bodo people’s rights and was instrumental in ensuring the language’s survival. And due to Brahma’s relentless efforts, Bodo was eventually recognized as an official language of Assam.
His vision went beyond politics – he saw language as a way to unite the Bodo community and pass on their rich heritage to future generations. Another key figure in promoting Bodo culture is Dr. Kameswar Brahma, a scholar and writer who has documented the life and history of the Bodo people. His book, ‘The Lives of the Bodos,’ is an important work that has helped preserve the Bodo language and culture for future generations. Today, the Bodo language is not only spoken but also taught in schools. This is a huge achievement for the community. In fact, in 2003, Bodo was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which means it now has official status, and can be used in government documents, education, and more. The Bodo language has a rich literary tradition.
From oral folklore to modern written works, Bodo literature reflects the community’s values, struggles, and joys.
Poets like Brajendra Kumar Brahma and Anil Boro have given voice to modern Bodo poetry, while earlier works were often passed down orally through generations. The Bodo language is deeply connected to Bodo culture. And one of the most beautiful expressions of that culture is the ‘Bagurumba’ dance. Performed during the Bwisagu festival, this dance reflects the Bodo people’s close relationship with nature. The movements are graceful and rhythmic, mimicking the beauty of birds and animals in the region. Here’s another interesting fact: the Bodo language has undergone several script changes over the years. Initially written in the Assamese and Roman scripts, it eventually adopted the Devanagari script in 1963, which is still used today. The survival and growth of a language is always tied to the people who speak it.
It’s not just a means of communication; it’s an integral part of their identity. In today’s digital age, the Bodo language is finding new ways to stay relevant. From online learning platforms to social media, the younger generation is embracing their linguistic heritage in innovative ways, ensuring that Bodo will continue to flourish.
As we come to the end of our journey, I hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Bodo language. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the diversity of languages, because in each language, there’s a story waiting to be told.
Until next time ‘Saibaikor’, which means Thank you in Bodo!”