The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has approved the renaming of a stretch of Lala Lajpat Rai Marg in South Delhi to ‘Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg’.
This decision honours Upendra Nath Brahma, a prominent Bodo social activist and the former president of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), who played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and development of the Bodo community in Assam. The renamed section spans approximately 35 metres near the Kailash Colony Metro Station, a location that holds symbolic importance due to its proximity to a Bodoland guesthouse. The proposal, initially submitted by the MCD’s Engineering Department, received approval following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its significance in recognising the contributions of the Bodo community leader.
Upendra Nath Brahma, affectionately known as ‘Bodofa’ (meaning ‘father or guardian of the Bodos’), dedicated his life to championing the education and well-being of the Bodo people. His leadership in the ABSU was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of political issues in the community’s agenda, aiming to provide political maturity to the students. Brahma passed away at the young age of 34 in 1990, but his legacy continues to inspire many. The renaming of the road is seen as a gesture of recognition for Brahma’s contributions and as part of a broader political strategy, particularly with Assam’s state elections scheduled between March and April 2026. The Bodo community, constituting approximately 4.53% of Assam’s total population, remains a critical voting bloc, and the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) elections are anticipated to influence political trends ahead of the state elections.
While the renaming has been approved by the MCD Commissioner and the Mayor, official approval from the MCD House, currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is pending. The final step will be the issuance of a formal notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs, after which the new name will be implemented. This move underscores the importance of recognising and honouring regional leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities, fostering a sense of inclusivity and respect for diverse cultures and histories within the national capital.
Also Read: https://urbanacres.in/green-light-for-pune-elevated-corridor/
