New Delhi: In the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the rising football culture in Bodoland, Assam, celebrating the region’s transformative journey from conflict to community-driven progress through sports.
Calling Bodoland a “new image of hope and unity”, PM Modi painted a vivid picture of football’s growing popularity in the region. “Imagine this scene — morning sunlight touches the hills, slowly spilling over into the fields, and with that light emerges a group of football lovers. A whistle blows, and the ground erupts with cheers. Every pass, every goal, brings a surge of excitement,” he said, describing the passionate energy of the youth.
Highlighting the Bodoland CEM Cup, an initiative of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), the Prime Minister said the tournament is more than just a sports event. “It has become a celebration of unity and aspiration,” he said. Over 3,700 teams and nearly 70,000 players, including a large number of girls, have participated — a powerful indicator of the social change underway in the region.
“There was a time when conflict defined Bodoland,” he noted. “Opportunities were few and far between. But today, young people dream big. They carry a spirit of self-reliance in their hearts.”
PM Modi also recognized emerging footballers from the region who have made a name at the national level despite humble beginnings, including Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurba Narzary, and Manbir Basumatary. “These names are not just athletes — they symbolize a new generation that is taking Bodoland from local fields to the national stage,” he said.
He emphasized that the CEM Cup, under the leadership of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), is helping promote peace, unity, and talent. Sports, he asserted, are proving to be a powerful medium for positive societal transformation.
In addition to praising Bodoland, the Prime Minister urged the nation to focus on personal fitness. “To maximize our potential, we must prioritize well-being,” he said. He reiterated his earlier fitness tip: “Reduce oil in food by 10 percent, and reduce obesity. The fitter you are, the better and more successful your life will be.”
PM Modi’s message struck a chord with many, celebrating not just athletic achievements but the power of youth, transformation, and well-being as key pillars of New India.
