GUWAHATI – Union home minister Amit Shah reiterated the Indian government’s commitment to preserving religions related to nature during his attendance at the 13th Triennial Bathou Mahasabha Conference of the Bodo community in Tezpur. Shah emphasized that India’s diversity of beliefs includes the importance of the Bathou religion, which has developed alongside traditional Sanatan Dharma and has become a significant part of India. He acknowledged the efforts of the Mahasabha in reflecting the Bathou religion in the lifestyle of the Bodo community through practical and scientific analysis.
According to Shah, the Modi government will spare no effort in preserving and promoting religions that focus on nature-worship, particularly in the northeast region of India. He highlighted the five moral messages of Bathouism, which provide guidance not only to the entire country but also to the world. These messages revolve around sacred experience, sacred practice, compassion, truth, and renunciation of hatred.
Shah emphasized that the philosophy of Bathou religion centers on the belief that Bathou permeates the universe as the philosophy of worshiping nature. He pointed out that the flag of Bathou religion also embodies this philosophy, representing the worship of nature through its symbolism of five elements.
Moving on to the issue of the Bodoland problem in the northeast, Shah credited the new perspective and efforts of Prime Minister Modi for resolving the long-standing conflict. As a result, the region is now transitioning from violence to development. Shah commended the Bodo community for their perseverance in protecting their culture and criticized previous governments for diverting attention from fundamental issues, resulting in loss of life. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the Bodo Agreement was signed, leading to an atmosphere of peace and harmony throughout Bodoland.
Shah also highlighted the significant reduction in violence under PM Modi’s tenure, with the entire northeast region witnessing a 73% decrease in violent incidents, a 71% decline in deaths of security personnel, and an 86% drop in civilian deaths.
The Indian government’s dedication to preserving religions related to nature, as reiterated by the Union home minister, reflects a commitment to cultural diversity and the recognition of the importance of nature-worship in various communities across the country.
