< Previous 89Chapter 13 have been added to BTR. In the coming days, we are hopeful that the Bodo Peace Accord will be implemented in toto for the benefit of all the citizens of BTR. The Bodoland Happiness Mission, a symbol of unity and shared aspirations, underscores the BTR Government’s commitment to a harmonious future. Envisioning permanent peace and harmonious coexistence, it works collectively towards realizing the Community Visions of each of the 26 proud communities residing in Bodoland Territorial Region. Thus, ensuring that as peace return, a new era of ‘Nirman’ unfolds! In this vein, to our brothers and sisters who still tread the path of armed revolution elsewhere in the country, consider the words of our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi Ji: Peace is the strongest and most powerful form of resistance. Let us all join hands and embrace this path, for it is only through peace that we can build a Viksit Bharat @2047 as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji. In this context, the unwavering commitment of the Government and the steadfast resolve of its people, Bodoland is now forging a path to a brighter, more harmonious future, one where the echoes of conflict are replaced by a symphony of peace, harmony and prosperity- a complete transformation: Sangharsh to Nirman!In the heart of a nation richly endowed with tradition and diversity, a renaissance is quietly unfolding—a movement borne from the very essence of unity and cooperation. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah Ji, the cooperative movement has ascended to unprecedented heights, embracing the remotest corners of our country with an unyielding spirit. As one reflects upon this transformative journey, there cannot but be a feeling of pride and hope: for it is a story of upliftment, resilience, and collective strength. The Cooperative Movement, with its resounding motto “Sahakarita se Samriddhi” has become a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047—a vision of a developed India envisaged by our esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. In the fields and bustling villages of this new Bharat, the spirit of cooperation already breathes new life into the poorest of artisans, farmers, women, and youth. With unwavering dedication, Shri Amit Shah Ji has launched multi-sectoral expansion programmes for cooperative societies, catering to their need for modernization in areas encompassing the use of technology, education, training, consultancy, research, and development. The ideals of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas” resonate deeply within this movement. As we march towards the dream of an 14 Cooperation Movement Leading the Way to a Viksit Bharat @2047 92Chapter 14 Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the cooperative spirit binds us together, forging a future where no one is left behind. In this way, he has truly knitted a tapestry of support and empowerment that touches every life it encounters. It is in this collective endeavor that Bharat surely finds its true strength. In this context, the Cooperative Movement has woven its magic even in the previously remote and untouched Indo-Bhutan areas comprising the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The historic Bodo Peace Accord of 2020 ensued the dawn of a new era in the Bodoland region. Thanks to the return of hard-won peace, our youth, women, former revolutionary community members, and families of victims have come together, united in their pursuit of economic prosperity, peace, and solidarity. The peace accord has been the wind beneath our wings, guiding the cooperation movement in the right direction. Within the last five years, the Bodo Peace Accord 2020 has eliminated the all-pervasive violence, killings, hatred and conflicts in our midst that had prevailed for more than four decades- it stands as a unique model of peacebuilding and progress in North East India, today. As one traverses through the landscapes of Bodoland, we are now greeted by the vibrant hum of gradual healing, rejuvenation and progress, as against earlier gunshots, bomb blasts and grief-stricken wails of children and women. Silk production, honey harvesting, handlooms and textiles, agriculture, and livestock-based activities thrive and flourish in every corner, nurtured by the firm spirit of cooperation. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Karmayogi Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BTR Government has fostered the vision of cooperation movement and social awareness in the most remote and unserved areas. Here, our youth and women are not merely participants but becoming the torch-bearers of social and economic transformation, producing organic dairy and engaging in fish, pig, goat, and poultry farming. The Mission Fin Rwdwmkhang, a flagship mission aimed at 93Chapter 14 providing effective rehabilitation and sustainable livelihoods to ex- NDFB cadres and victim families, stands as a testament to our commitment. Within the Bodoland Territorial Region, 1535 registered cooperative societies stand tall, their roots firmly embedded in the soil of cooperation. Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur, Udalguri—all districts echo the same story of resilience and unity. The lands that are bubbling with cultivation under our cooperative societies, spanning approximately 549,120 acres, demonstrate the hard work and dedication of 432,300 shareholders, with 75% belonging to ST & SC communities, and a remarkable 65% being women. This land, once a symbol of strife, now thrives under the nurturing embrace of cooperation. Also, the pages of our cooperative success are adorned with the stories of 19 cooperative societies registered under the Mission Fin Rwdwmkhang. Rice-mill cooperative societies, poultry cooperative societies, dairy cooperative societies, agro-tourism cooperative societies, multipurpose cooperative societies—all stand as pillars of strength, offering sustainable livelihoods and a sense of belonging to those who once faced adversity and had taken up arms. Each cooperative society under the Mission Fin Rwdwmkhang has provided avenues for not merely rehabilitation, but intense social, economic and psychological reintegration for our brothers and sisters who were former cadres of the NDFB. Yet again, the Bodoland Territorial Region offers boundless possibilities in the present-day cooperative movement of India. Our agro-based industries, areca nut processing units, eco hatcheries, and fish feed production units have been streamlined to bear rich dividends. Given close to 40% of our lands being under forest cover, the forest-based industries, handloom and handicrafts, honey processing and packaging units, horticulture nurseries, tea processing units, tourism, and hospitality ventures— all hold the promise of a brighter, prosperous future. Cold storage 94Chapter 14 facilities, layer farms, milk producer cooperatives, bulk milk coolers, micro and small-scale industries, meat processing units, organic farming, piggery farming, and processing units—each sector has imbibed the cooperative spirit and stands ready for the next-level engagement. As I pen down these thoughts, my heart brims with gratitude and pride. The Cooperative Movement, as envisaged by our Prime Minister Modi Ji and under the guidance of Hon’ble Amit Shah Ji, has become a beacon of hope for millions not only in affluent parts of India, but also in the previously forsaken areas like ours. This movement has transcended boundaries, uniting us in Bharat’s shared pursuit of prosperity, peace, and unity. Today, we march towards a future where the dreams of many converge into a symphony of hope, and where every hand is extended in goodwill and support. As we look towards this new horizon, we do so with a newfound aspiration and faith, for the cooperation movement has become the architect of a new destiny: a future that shines brightly for the present as well as the generations that are to come.Bharat, one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, has gifted humanity with innumerable marvels over the millennia. From the wisdom of Mahavira Jaina, Gautama Buddha, Ashoka, Guru Nanak, and Mahatma Gandhi to the scientific breakthroughs of Baudhayan, Aryabhatta, and Susruta, India’s contributions have been vast and varied. The oldest religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, were born in this land. India has produced saints, sages, emperors, scientists, thinkers, philosophers, and leaders throughout its history. Walking through the historical lanes of Bharat, one cannot help but marvel at the achievements of our great nation. On the other hand, Bhutan, India’s immediate neighbor, friend, and ally, known to the world as Drukyul or “The Land of the Thunder Dragon,” has transcended the social, political, and economic challenges of the contemporary world. Bhutan has demonstrated that it is possible to care for the earth, thrive in the bounty of nature, and be happy in today’s age of consumerism. It has shown that universal values of peace, generosity, and compassion can still be practiced in an era of wars, battles, and cut-throat diplomacy. The peaceful transition of Bhutan from a monarchy to a democracy without civil unrest is a testament to the wisdom of its leadership. Today, Bhutan remains the only carbon-negative country in the world, highlighting its commitment to sustainability, an area where the entire world can learn and collaborate. 15 Advancing indo Bhutan Economic Partnership 96Chapter 15 Assam, sharing a 267 km international boundary with Bhutan, has fostered a rich exchange of goods, people, and traditions since ancient times. The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) along this border has seen vibrant trade and cultural exchange since time immemorial. Goods like rice, areca nuts, dry fish, and meat from India are traded for oranges and Sichuan spice from Bhutan. Unlike many tensed-up international borders, the Indo-Bhutan border is marked by openness and goodwill, nurturing mutual respect and fraternity. Beyond economic ties, social practices like the kurma system highlight deep-rooted cultural connections. Annual trade and cultural fairs further strengthen the human-to- human relationship. However, the encampment of revolutionary groups from Assam in Bhutan since the 1980s had threatened our regional harmony. Thanks to the wise leadership of former Bhutanese King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, peace was restored in the last one decade. Recent efforts by India’s Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji and Assam’s Chief Minister Karmayogi Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Ji have further solidified and sustained peace and harmony in our region. The Bhutan India Friendship Association (BIFA) has also played a pivotal role in maintaining bilateral ties, exemplifying a unique model of peace and friendship. This partnership, deeply spiritual rather than transactional, indeed, sets a global precedent. Assam is the natural gateway to India’s Act East Policy, and Bodoland is a critical hub for economic growth due to its border proximity. The Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative aiming to leverage global economic opportunities will strengthen regional partnerships and foster prosperity. For instance, to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, plans are underway to establish a Startup Park in BTR by our Council Government. This park will provide a platform for innovative and sustainable businesses in agritech, tourism, IT services, and renewable energy. As the entire 97Chapter 15 Bodoland Territorial Region is the Duar region along the Indo- Bhutan border (approximately 267 km in length and 50 km in breadth), it is readily accessible by both Bhutan and India. Setting up of the cross-border collaborations and partnerships in this region will enable Bhutanese and Indian entrepreneurs can work together to develop sustainable and scalable businesses. The park will offer mentorship, seed funding, networking opportunities, and infrastructure support to promising startups. Government incentives, along with private sector involvement, will ensure the initiative thrives, attracting investors and creating jobs. A cross- border startup exchange program will allow knowledge sharing, bringing young minds together to build solutions for the future. Bhutan has long been a leader in hydropower generation. Their perspective on sustainable development and rich experiences must be leveraged for sustainable energy development in BTR and Assam. Investing in small hydropower projects along rivers can ensure energy self-sufficiency and facilitate power trade, benefiting both India and Bhutan. Beyond hydropower, exploring solar and biomass energy projects can capitalize on Assam’s green energy initiatives. An Indo-Bhutan Renewable Energy Mission can oversee the development of renewable energy infrastructure, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. As industrialization progresses and electric vehicle demand rises, Bodoland region itself will require nearly 1500 MW of additional power. Major industrial activities in Assam will benefit from power generated from these projects, ensuring the smooth operation of industrial parks. Run-of-the-river projects can also be pursued for power generation, with bilateral arrangements to control water flow, maintain year-round uniformity, and minimize soil erosion in the unstable Himalayan region. Most residents of Bodoland region rely on rivers flowing from the Bhutan hills, and natural phenomena in these upper stretches always pose a catastrophe threat. However, over the years, active participation from both 98Chapter 15 sides of the border has mitigated these risks. Future renewable energy projects must adopt non-polluting sources to protect the environment and ensure safety and protection for downstream communities. Bhutan’s rich resources in wood, bamboo, and minerals present significant potential for collaboration in agriculture and allied activities. Joint initiatives in organic farming, rice-vegetable exchanges, and horticulture can boost economic growth for both regions. Large-scale grain production in Assam’s plains can benefit Bhutan, while Bhutan’s expertise in organic farming can benefit Indian farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Bhutan’s climate is suitable for year-round cultivation of vegetables and various horticultural crops. Collaborative efforts can ensure year-round availability of agricultural produce in both nations. Including Chirang district’s Dadgiri and Hatisar vicinities in the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative and establishing a wellness center can promote sustainable living and well-being. Besides this, the border areas of Baksa district of India that correspond to Nganglam and Panbang in Bhutan, the Darrangajuli and Tamulpur that correspond to Sandrup Jhonkar, and Bhairabkunda that correspond to Daifam are already well advanced in terms of people-to-people cooperation and local business partnerships. Tourism can drive economic growth through a transnational ecotourism circuit connecting Bhutan’s pristine landscapes with Manas National Park and other ecotourism destinations in BTR. Adventure tourism, wildlife safaris, river rafting, trekking, and heritage tourism can attract global tourists. An Annual Indo- Bhutan Tourism & Cultural Festival can celebrate rich traditions in dance, music, crafts, and cuisine, serving as a business networking platform for tourism entrepreneurs, travel agencies, and hospitality providers. Investments in homestay facilities, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and water rafting on both sides of the border will strengthen tourism ties.Next >