Historic Land Deed Celebration at Dinjoy Tea Estate
Joyous Homecoming for Kutharti Bhumij
Dibrugarh, March 15: A momentous occasion unfolded at the Dinjoy tea estate as Kutharti Bhumij returned home with a land deed (digital patta) he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremonial event in Guwahati on Friday.
As Bhumij made his way into the estate, excitement surged among the workers’ quarters. Family, friends, and fellow laborers gathered to greet him, their faces beaming with pride and joy.
With a broad smile and the document held tightly, Bhumij seemed overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.
In no time, the serene garden paths turned into a festive area as workers celebrated with traditional Jhumur dance, undeterred by the light rain.
This event holds profound meaning for the plantation community, transcending the mere act of receiving a document.
For nearly two hundred years, the tea industry has flourished in Assam, thanks to the hard work and determination of generations of laborers who cleared land, planted tea, and nurtured an industry that has brought global acclaim to the state.
Despite their crucial contributions to the industry and the state's economy, many tea garden workers have historically lacked legal ownership of the land they inhabit.
The Assam government's recent initiative to grant land rights to tea garden workers has been met with widespread approval among plantation communities, although some estate management representatives have expressed concerns.
Bhumij, who lives in the estate’s Pucca Line and is the primary provider for his family, was one of the recipients of the land deed from the Prime Minister during the launch of the land allotment program.
He, along with nearly forty other workers from the estate, including several women, traveled to Guwahati for the event.
For many, this journey was remarkable; several workers, including Bhumij, shared that it was their first visit to the state capital, making it a memorable experience.
Upon their return to Dinjoy this morning, they were greeted with a warm welcome from fellow residents. As drums resonated and songs filled the air, Bhumij took a moment to soak in the celebration before sharing his thoughts on the experience.
“Words cannot capture the depth of my happiness,” he expressed, his voice reflecting both pride and humility. “Receiving the land deed from the Prime Minister is something I never envisioned. It’s a moment I will cherish forever.”