Eminent folklorist, writer, and educator Shri Anil Kumar Boro has been honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in the category of Literature and Education for his exemplary work in preserving and promoting Bodo language and culture.

A professor at Gauhati University and an authority in folklore studies, Shri Boro has spent over four decades documenting Bodo oral traditions, literary works, and cultural expressions. His extensive body of work, which includes over 30 books, has become a cornerstone for scholars and students of indigenous literature in Northeast India.

Some of his acclaimed works include Folk Literature of the Bodos, A History of Bodo Literature, and The Flute and the Harp. He has also translated numerous literary pieces into Bodo and promoted the language on national and international literary platforms. As an editor of key journals like The Bodo Quarterly and Thunslai, he has built a literary space for emerging voices from Assam’s tribal communities.

A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award and several state honours, Boro has been a key advocate for the implementation of mother-tongue education under NEP 2020, particularly in tribal and rural regions of Assam.

Speaking after the announcement of the award, Shri Boro said:

“This recognition is not just personal. It is a tribute to the resilience and richness of Bodo language, literature, and identity.”

His Padma Shri reflects not only his literary excellence but also his unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, linguistic justice, and education rooted in indigenous knowledge systems.

With this honour, India celebrates Shri Anil Kumar Boro’s lifelong mission of keeping folk heritage alive and inspiring future generations to embrace and enrich their linguistic roots.