Guwahati, 03 February (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday attended the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025 ceremony held at the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Auditorium of Bodoland University in Kokrajhar. The prestigious award was conferred on Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen Mother of the Kingdom of Bhutan, in recognition of her outstanding humanitarian service and compassionate leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Acharya said the event was more than a felicitation ceremony and described it as a reaffirmation of collective commitment to human dignity, compassion, moral values, and social justice. He said the gracious presence of Her Majesty had further elevated the significance of the occasion and termed it a privilege to welcome her on behalf of the people of Assam. He added that the conferment of the award was a fitting tribute to a personality steadfast in her mission of humanitarian service and the promotion of human dignity.

The Governor noted that the ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, instituted in 2004 by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust, is dedicated to the ideals and philosophy of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, whose life was rooted in sacrifice, courage, and service to humanity. He recalled that Bodofa championed social transformation through dialogue and democratic values, upholding freedom, equality, and fraternity as the cornerstones of his vision.

Highlighting Bodofa’s contributions, Shri Acharya said that despite severe economic challenges, he emerged as a distinguished leader who devoted his life to social justice, human rights, and inclusive development. He said Bodofa’s belief in the right of every community to preserve its language, culture, and identity continues to inspire generations. The Governor also referred to the Assam government’s declaration of March 31 as Chatra Divas (Students’ Day) as a fitting tribute to Bodofa, and said that the naming of a street and installation of his statue in the national capital have helped take his legacy to the national level.

Commending the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust, established in 1999, the Governor appreciated its sustained efforts to carry forward Bodofa’s ideals, particularly in working for the uplift of marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.

Referring to the award being conferred on Her Majesty, Acharya said her lifelong contributions to social welfare, cultural preservation, women empowerment, and compassionate leadership embody the true spirit of the ‘Soldier of Humanity’ honour. He also observed that the award symbolises the deep, historic, and enduring ties between India and Bhutan, with Assam at the centre, and said Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness resonates closely with Bodofa’s human-centric worldview.

Congratulating Her Majesty, the Governor expressed confidence that such recognition would inspire future generations to uphold the ideals of peace, justice, inclusivity, and service to humanity.

Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, Assam Handloom and Textiles Minister U.G. Brahma, Chief Executive Member of BTC Hagrama Mohilary, former CEM Pramod Boro, Member of Parliament Rangwara Narzary, President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha Prof Surath Narzary, along with dignitaries from Bhutan, academicians, and other distinguished guests, were present on the occasion.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash