Upendranath Brahma

Upendranath Brahma ( _br. उपेन्द्रनाथ ब्रह्मा died 1 May, 1990) was a Bodoland political leader.

Early life and Education

Upendranath Brahma was born at Dotoma, a small township at Kokrajhar District of Assam, India. He studied at Kokrajhar College and at Gauhati University, where he earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree. Upendranath Brahma was an intelligent student and demonstrated great leadership. He knew the history of Assam extremely well.

Political activism

He lectured in many parts of Assam, reinforcing the theme that Bodos were treated as second class citizens in Assam. He observed that the Bodo people had little or no influence in Assam politics. He observed no job opportunities for Bodo students, once they completed their studies. Jobs in Assam were mostly occupied by Assamese-speaking individuals. Upendranath Brahma with his followers gradually mobilized Bodo students at the grass-root level. In 1987, as the AASU movement was losing momentum, he and his trusted colleagues started a movement to create a separate state within Assam, called Bodoland. He died before he could see the fruits of his leadership. His tombstone can be seen in the Upendranath Park in Dotoma. For his vision and great leadership quality Upendranath Brahma is considered as the father of the Bodos (Bodofa).

Honours

Upendranath Brahma's life is celebrated each year on the anniversary of his death, which is now called "Bodofa Day".

Further, a 21-foot tall bronze statue of him was unveiled on the 10th anniversary of his death, May 1, 2000, in Kokrajhar.

ee also

* Bodoland