Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant two-day visit to Assam, signaling both cultural celebration and economic development. The highlight of his visit on February 24, 2025, was the attendance at what has been described as the biggest ever jhumur dance event, held at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. This vibrant display featured around 8,600 dancers from the tea-tribes community, underscoring the rich cultural heritage of Assam's tea garden workers and marking the 200th anniversary of the state's tea industry.
During the event, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed pride, stating, "Today marks the biggest ever jhumur event, with around 8,600 dancers performing at the Sarusajai Stadium." The jhumur dance is rooted deeply in the traditions of Assam’s tea tribes, which constitute diverse communities who migrated from Central India under challenging circumstances to work on tea plantations established by British colonizers.
The tea garden community, comprising various ethnic backgrounds, has been integral to Assam's demographic and cultural fabric. Over the years, they have fought for recognition and rights, advocating for Scheduled Tribe status. Despite socio-economic challenges, these communities have maintained their cultural practices, of which jhumur is a notable example.
The jhumur tradition serves not just as entertainment but as a means of social cohesion, allowing these communities to retain their identities. Nidhi Gogoi, a research scholar at Gauhati University, highlighted the significance of jhumur songs, stating, "These songs bring to life the lives of tea plantation workers"—reminiscent of their rich heritage and the struggles of their forebears. Women, adorned in traditional attire, are the primary performers, undulating gracefully as they sing folk verses often tinged with themes of hardship.
Following the dance, Modi expressed his admiration for the vibrant culture of the tea tribes and acknowledged their contributions to Assam's economy. The cultural festivities were not limited to jhumur; a laser show presenting themes reflective of Assam's heritage added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Beyond the cultural event, Modi's visit was strategically timed to coincide with the Advantage Assam 2.0 Infrastructure and Investment Summit, scheduled for February 25. Upon arriving at the stadium, Modi engaged with performers and spectators alike, showcasing the government's commitment to the region. Soon after experiencing the dance, he headed to the Veterinary College Field for the summit's exhibitions, which aimed to spotlight both traditional industries and modern economic advancements within Assam.
The galleries were themed 'Pride of Assam' and 'Future of Assam,' highlighting the state’s historical industries and current infrastructure projects. With participation from key industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, the summit was poised to set the stage for future investments and discussions about Assam's burgeoning economy.
Aside from the events, the Prime Minister's visit carried immediate economic significance for local farmers. On the same day of his arrival, the Chief Minister announced on X, "Hon'ble Prime Minister Shru @narendramodiji is sending an advance gift to the farmers of Assam," referring to the release of ₹475 crore to benefit over 20 lakh farmers. This announcement marked the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, reflecting the government's continuous support for the agricultural sector.
Modi's visit, with its dual focus on celebrating Assam's cultural heritage and strengthening its economic framework, heralds significant possibilities for the region. By promoting the artistic traditions and simultaneously bolstering investment prospects, the government aims to uplift the tea tribes and other local communities, ensuring they are catalysts of growth within Assam’s promising future.
All things considered, Modi's arrival and the activities surrounding his visit highlight the government's endeavors to blend cultural appreciation with economic development, reinforcing the importance of the tea garden communities and their roles within wider socio-economic structures. This holistic approach not only celebrates the resilience of these communities but also sets the tone for future advancements, marking this visit as both historic and transformative for Assam.