Minister Bimal Borah felicitates 331 Barak Valley Jhumoir artists of in Silchar

way2barak, November 3: “Language should never be a barrier to unity; our strength lies in our shared culture,” stated Shri Bimal Borah, Minister of Industries, Commerce and Cultural Affairs, while addressing a packed auditorium at Banga Bhawan, Silchar, during a grand felicitation ceremony organised by the Cachar District Administration on Sunday.

He paid tribute to the artists of Barak Valley for their contribution to Assam’s cultural unity, setting the tone for a memorable evening of pride, gratitude, and celebration.

Minister Borah, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest, lauded the artistic talent of the Barak Valley performers, describing them as “the heartbeat of Assam’s cultural revival.”

He announced that all 331 Jhumoir artists and master trainers from Barak Valley would receive RS 25,000 each through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Jhumoir Binandini scheme , an initiative envisioned by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to commemorate 200 years of Assam’s tea culture.

“For the first time since Independence, the Government of Assam has truly highlighted the cultural identity of the tea tribes,” Minister Borah said. “Under the leadership of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, a cultural renaissance is unfolding in our tea gardens one that celebrates inclusion, dignity, and pride.”

Reflecting on the role of art in uniting communities, Minister Borah emphasised that Assam’s diversity is its greatest strength. He fondly recalled the Chief Minister’s vision that culture should bridge people, not divide them. “Our state thrives on cultural diversity, and language should never be a barrier to unity,” the Minister reiterated.

He also highlighted the Dhamail dance and its kinship with Jhumoir, describing both as “twin reflections of our shared heritage” that bind people emotionally and culturally across linguistic and regional lines.

The Minister further revealed that the Government of Assam plans to organise a Dhamail Festival soon, in collaboration with community stakeholders symbolising a celebration of unity through rhythm and tradition.

While speaking on the occasion, Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development Department, Shri Kaushik Rai, hailed Jhumoir Binandini as a cultural movement that celebrates the essence of Assam’s tea garden communities.

He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words of praise for the Jhumoir dance, calling it “a soulful portrayal of Assam’s cultural unity.”

“The Chief Minister’s commitment to honouring Assam’s tea heritage has transformed this initiative into a symbol of belonging and pride,” Minister Rai said. He also mentioned that the presence of Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and delegates from over 50 countries at the Guwahati event had elevated Assam’s cultural diplomacy to the global stage.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Cachar District Commissioner Shri Mridul Yadav described the day as “a historic moment of cultural pride” for Barak Valley.

He recalled the grandeur of the Guwahati event where over 8,000 artists performed before the Hon’ble Prime Minister, transforming Sarusajai into “a living sea of culture.”

“Today, from Banga Bhawan, Silchar, we are witnessing the same glow reflected in the eyes of our Barak Valley artists,” DC Yadav added. “Through this initiative, Assam’s tea tribes and indigenous communities have revived Jhumoir and placed it proudly on the national cultural map,” he added.

Members of the executive committee, a master trainer, and a female participant also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the government’s recognition of their artistic contribution.

It is worth mentioning that the talented artists from Barak Valley were honoured at Banga Bhawan, Silchar, for their remarkable role in the historic Mega Jhumoir Binandini event held on February 24, 2025, at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati, marking the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry.

In a special ceremony, 331 participants and master trainers from the three districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi were recognised for their outstanding performances at the mega event that drew national and global attention.

During the Silchar ceremony, the ceremonial distribution of certificates and the live transfer of Rs 25,000 remuneration via DBT to the bank accounts of each participant and master trainer were carried out, symbolising the government’s transparency and appreciation for grassroots artistry.

The programme was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Nihar Ranjan Das, MLA of Dholai, Shri Kankan Narayan Sikidar, President, Cachar Zilla Parishad, and Shri Rahul Chandra Das,  Director of Cultural Affairs, Assam.

The felicitation ceremony concluded with the screening of the iconic Jhumoir Binondini performance that captivated the nation on February 24, 2025.

This was stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar.