Guwahati: The 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025, was conferred on Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, at a ceremony held at Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, recognising her lifelong commitment to humanitarian work and social welfare. The event drew attention across Assam, including Guwahati, where academic and civic circles closely followed the honour.
The award ceremony took place at the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Auditorium in the presence of Lakshman Prasad Acharya, senior officials, scholars, and community leaders.
Bhutan’s Queen Mother Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck received the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025 at Bodoland University, Assam. The honour recognises her humanitarian leadership through the Tarayana Foundation and highlights Assam’s role in promoting regional values of compassion and social justice.
Award Ceremony Highlights
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya said the award symbolises values that go beyond formal recognition, reflecting compassion, human dignity, and social justice. He described it as a matter of pride for Assam to host the Queen Mother and noted that the recognition acknowledged her sustained service to humanity.
The Queen Mother personally accepted the award, which included:
- A formal citation
- A memento of Upendra Nath Brahma
- Traditional Bodo attire and artefacts
- A cash award of ₹2 lakh
Recognising Humanitarian Leadership
The honour was bestowed for the Queen Mother’s leadership of the Tarayana Foundation, an organisation known for improving rural livelihoods, empowering women, expanding access to education and healthcare, and preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Officials said these initiatives resonate strongly in Assam, including Guwahati, where civil society groups and universities often engage in similar development and cultural preservation efforts.
Bodofa’s Legacy and Assam’s Role
In his address, Governor Acharya recalled the ideals of Upendra Nath Brahma, popularly known as Bodofa, stating that the ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award reflects his vision of equality, dialogue, and service to society. He highlighted Brahma’s lifelong struggle for social justice, human rights, and inclusive development despite economic challenges.
The Governor also referred to steps taken in Assam to honour Bodofa’s legacy, including the declaration of March 31 as Chatra Divas (Students’ Day) and the installation of his statue in New Delhi, initiatives that are widely observed and discussed in Guwahati’s academic and student communities.
India–Bhutan Ties and Regional Significance
Calling the award a symbol of the enduring relationship between India and Bhutan, Acharya said Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness closely mirrors Bodofa’s people-centric worldview. He expressed confidence that honouring figures like the Queen Mother would inspire future generations across Assam, including Guwahati’s youth, to uphold principles of peace, inclusivity, and service.
University representatives said the event reinforces Assam’s role as a bridge for cultural dialogue and humanitarian values in the eastern Himalayan region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award?
Instituted in 2004 by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust, the award honours individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to social justice, human dignity, and humanitarian service.
Why is this award significant for Assam and Guwahati?
The award highlights Assam’s leadership in recognising humanitarian values and strengthens regional ties with Bhutan, themes that resonate strongly within Guwahati’s academic and civic communities.
