Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Monday said that his government was committed to preserve Assam’s linguistic and cultural identity, while pointing out that it reflected in the historic decision of his government to grant Assamese the status of a classical language—a long-awaited recognition for the state.Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi also expressed his deep personal connection with Assam’s tea garden culture. “This tremendous preparation has the fragrance and beauty of the tea gardens, and who knows the fragrance and colour of tea better than a chaiwala (tea seller)? Just as you have a special relationship with the tea garden culture, I, too, share a deep bond with the tea gardens,” he remarked, striking an emotional chord with the audience. The Prime Minister reiterated that his government was committed to the overall development of the northeast which had been ignored for decades.He also reminded that his government in the state was taking a series of steps for the development of the tea tribe communities starting from setting up schools to health facilities.Mr Modi who was acceded a grand welcome on his arrival at the Guwahati Airport, took a round inside the stadium on a special vehicle and greeted the artistes and spectators who had gathered in large numbers to witness the event.The event, marking the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry, featured the world’s largest-ever Jhumur dance performance. The celebration aimed to honor the rich heritage of Assam’s tea garden communities, highlighting their cultural contributions and historical significance in shaping the state’s identity.More than 8,600 dancers and musicians from 27 districts of Assam participated in this unprecedented showcase of Jhumur, a traditional folk dance of the state’s tea tribes. The dance performance included 5,399 female dancers, 2,175 male dancers, and 2,074 musicians, making it the biggest Jhumur performance in history. The event is expected to set a world record and highlight Assam’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage.The tea garden community, often referred to as Assam’s ‘tea tribes,’ is a diverse group of people who migrated from present-day Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal during the 19th century to work in the tea plantations set up by the British. Many of these workers endured exploitative conditions, and their descendants remain socio-economically marginalized despite playing a crucial role in Assam’s tea industry.Jhumur is an integral part of the tea garden community’s cultural identity. Originating from the Chotanagpur region, it is a folk dance performed primarily by women, while men play traditional instruments such as madal, dhol, and cymbals. The dancers, clad in red and white sarees, move in coordinated patterns, singing couplets in their native languages, which have evolved to incorporate Assamese influences. Though vibrant and energetic, Jhumur songs often depict the hardships and struggles of tea garden workers.Expressing his gratitude, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a privilege and an honor to welcome the world’s most popular leader, emphasising that the Prime Minister’s vision continues to inspire Assam’s journey toward development and progress.Addressing the audience he said, “The Jhumur dance performance is our attempt to place before the world the rich music and dance traditions of our tea industry, which has completed 200 years.” The Assam government had arranged for live streaming of the event in the tea garden areas.The state government has also announced Rs 25,000 as an incentive for all participants and master trainers, and Rs 30,000 for the expert trainers. Besides, Rs 25,000 will be paid to each tea garden to establish cultural clubs, promoting cultural activities in the tea gardens.Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha were also present.
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