GUWAHATI: The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam will soon witness the establishment of a unique institution — a school dedicated to peace and happiness. BTR Chief, Pramod Boro, announced this visionary project on Thursday, during an event marking the International Day of Peace.
Speaking to a gathering, Boro stressed on the pressing need for the younger generation to adopt and embrace values centred on humanity for the realisation of true peace.
Drawing attention to the inherent peace-loving nature of the region’s syncretic culture, he said, “The civilisational values we uphold are not in accordance with the spirit of conflict.” Boro also elaborated that a peaceful coexistence among all communities, not just within BTR but also in the broader state and nation, is quintessential for widespread prosperity and happiness.
This initiative isn’t the first-of-its-kind in BTR. The school’s conception is in line with the “Bodoland Knowledge Declaration 2023”, a remarkable resolution adopted earlier this year at the inaugural Bodoland International Knowledge Festival held in Kokrajhar. The festival is one of the numerous efforts arising from the Bodoland Happiness Mission, launched a mere five months ago, aimed at fostering peace and communal harmony.
Reflecting on the region’s tumultuous past, Boro acknowledged the significance of the BTR peace accord of 2020. This historic agreement, he said, heralded a new era of enduring peace in the area, transitioning it from decades of strife and unrest. Drawing parallels with the recent strife in Manipur, he underscored the essential nature of peace and stability in the Northeast for the broader development and growth of India.
In a heartening message, Boro said, “The spirit of peace and harmony must originate from individuals. Only then can it ripple outward, ensuring societal harmony.”
Furthering this philosophy, he highlighted the need for peace-centric education. He strongly advocated for the introduction and inclusion of peace studies in the school curriculum, ensuring that students grasp the significance of a harmonious society right from their formative years.
