Nileswar Brahma: His Life and Legacy

Nileswar Brahma popularly known as Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma, was an eminent Bodo folk-singer, poet, lyricist, social worker and one of the pioneer leaders of cultural movement in the Bodo community. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the Bodos in 20th Century.

He was the first gramophone recording singer from the Bodo community. His melodious songs in Bodo was first time recorded in the Gramophone Record Company Colombia, Kolkata in 1952. He was an author of poetry and lyrics book named ‘Balabganwi’ which was published in the year 1952 by cultural organization Boroni Ansai Afad (the organization later on renamed as Bithorai Afad), which was formed in the year 1952.

Nileswar Brahma was born on 11th February 1927 at Goibari village of Gosaigaon sub-division under Kokrajhar district (then Goalpara) to Bodo speaking family Doloram Brahma and Gwnwshri Brahma. He was the ninth and youngest of his family. His family, friends, and the people of the village called him ‘Nilu’.

His formal education began from his native village. He studied his primary education Dwikhorguri L.P. School, but di not complete. He then joined in Kamalsingh Primary School and Chatagram Amalgemated School. He was unable to pass his matriculation examination.

He was trouble by his family’s problems since he was a child. The neighborhood he grew up in didn’t really inspired to hit the books either. But more than that, he just wasn’t into studying- he preferred taking part in cultural activities and was more interested in music and singing. He was good at playing instruments like the kham, sherja, harmonium, and siphung.

On 2nd February 1968, he was married to Pramila Muchahary. They had six sons namely Ranjay Brahma, Nilnayan Brahma, Sanjib Brahma, Dhanjit Brahma, Rajput Brahma and Samrat Brahma and two daughters named Pratibha Brahma and Jilima Brahma.

Brahma was a good singer and lyricist who is now known for his folk song and writings. Although he began writing lyric as a hobby while working on the people lover, he later quit to become a both singer and lyricist.

In 1950, Nileswar Brahma accompanied them to Calcutta where he broadcast his first song at All India Radio. He made his public debut in 1951 on All India Radio, Calcutta. Later he recorded debut album from Columbia Gramophone Company Limited, Calcutta in 1952.

Some of his other popular Bodo songs are – Bifangao Bananwi, Honwi Sanjaha, Wi Bibwnang Godai, Udang Bwthwr, Mwnhang Mwnhangwinw Mwnnw Thanga, Dukhu Mwnw Ayo Mwdwi Fwiyw, Swrjigiri etc. In 1954, He went to study music at Lucknow Bhatkande College, but faced opposition from his family due to financial problem. He was returned at his native in 1957, but he didn’t give up his musical career. He was performed by his melodious voice during the occasion of festivals and conferences.

He has giving his inspirational voice among the Bodo community. His songs based on the themes of universal love, devotion, communal amity, and has been credited for introducing Bodo folk music to Indian culture. He becomes one of the most prominent lyricists of his generation.

He started writing poems and lyrics since his student days. His collection of lyric and poetry book ‘Balabganwi (Two Episodes )’ was published in 1952. He was one of the most famous folk-singer and lyricist of Bodo modern period too. As a convenor of music he was participated during the formation of Bodo Sahitya Sabha on 16th November 1952 at Basugaon village in the district of Chirang. He was died on 1st January 1986 due to high-pressure.

Brahma was not only singer and lyricist, but also an active social worker. One of his main goal was to reform society, care over it, and lift it up. Through his song, he also encouraged Bodo people to stay strong and get ready for progress in education, the economy, politics and business just like people from other communities are moving forward. He could not sing any song except the words of the people in the community. The elements of nature connected to the community and the people themselves are what make his songs beautiful. So he also did social work while taking responsibility for the community.

He was the founder General Secretary of Amritpur Brahma Sebahram, Anthaibari, located under Gosaigaon sub division in Kokrajhar district. He was the chairman of Bardwi-Sikla Gosaigaon Tribal Cinema Co-operative Society, President of Gosaigaon Assam Sahitya Sabha, Member of Land Advisory Board Gosaigaon Sub-division and an active worker of other organizations.

You can notice unique features and melodies in all the songs he sungs, where beautiful images of nature and different aspects of community life- like crying, laughing, joking, screaming, celebrating, and love- are clearly shown. His songs really highlight themes of village life from the Bodo community.

The songs he’s sung are recognized as the best Folk songs among the Bodo folk singers of the Bodos. The people called the songs he performed ‘Nileswar Dengkhw’. One of the his songs named ‘Bifangao Bananwi’ performed most in the stage programme by the contemporary singers.

He was involved with Bodo Sahitya Sabha and took part in the different events organized by the Bodo Sahitya Sabha. He was awarded the citation from Sidli-Chirang Boro Jatiyo Sanmilan for his music contributions to Bodo community in 1952. He was posthumously awarded the Sanjarang Lakheswar Brahma Cultural Award given by Bodo Sahitya Sabha in 2004 for his contributions to Bodo language and culture.

In respect of him, Nileswar Brahma Cultural Award is given every year to the persons who have been dedicating their life services in the field of music and culture. This is the highest award in the field of culture by the Government of Bodoland Territorial Council.

He imagined that Bodo could sing a song and preserved it to future generations. He believed that singing not only brings people joy but also offers advice and encouragement to help his community succeed in life. He thought singing is a great way to educate people.

He started and led the Bodo songs movement, with many singers following his lead. The Bodo songs were even broadcast on All India Radio, Calcutta and All India Radio, Guwahati. Later on, Bodo singers performed and promoted songs in the best ways they could. Many songs was produced, and songs were also shared through a few stage programme, video albums and movies. At the heart of all this was Nileswar Brahma, the pioneering hero of the Bodo song world.