The Year 2004
24th January 2004Lam Neten of Gelephu Dratshang led the Marchhang Ceremony to formally launch the Bhutan India Friendship Association (BIFA) Local Chapter. Dzongdag of Sarpang presided over as the Chief Guest with local dignitaries and huge gathering of local personalities (112 nos.) along with half a dozen Business community members from neighboring districts of Assam.
31st January 2004
The first Meeting of the Executive Committee members was held to discuss the possible prospects for BIFA local chapter and many such prime concerns to foster harmonious interaction between the two neighborhoods.
7th February 2004
A 4 member delegation headed by the local chapter Vice-President paid goodwill visit to the neighboring towns of Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon in Assam. This was basically a preliminary visit.
13th February 2004Again, a 4 member delegate headed by Sarpang Dzongdag paid an introductory visit to the offices of the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Bongaigaon and Kokrajhar districts of Assam. The above Indian dignitaries were extended a formal invitation to grace the BIFA local chapter gathering scheduled on 15th February 2004 at Gelephu.
15th February 2004
By courtesy of Gelephu Dungpa, a huge gathering comprised of local government officials, prominent Indian and Bhutanese business personalities met at the Royal Guest House premises. The Indian dignitaries who were extended formal invitation could attend owing to some emergency task as reported by their representatives. The function was filled with amusements of dance and music performed by the locals.
17th February 2004
A 15 member Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) officials arrived Gelephu and were welcomed by Gelephu Dungpa and the BIFA office bearers & members. Dungpa, on behalf of the BIFA delivered an inspiring speech and explained the main objevtives and the missions of BIFA for the benefit of the visiting delegates. The delegates also reciprocated especially applauding the Royal Government of Bhutan for successfully carrying out the flush out operation in December 2003 and assured their whole hearted support to the BIFA causes.
19th April 2004
Second Executive Committee Meeting was held to discuss BIFA membership expansion, Focal persons at places other than Gelephu to be identified, Formal Office establishment, Resource Mobilization and to Plan a Reciprocal visit to the neighboring districts of Assam.
18th June 2004
A 5 member delegation headed by Gelephu Dungpa visited Bongaigaon on the invitation of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Bongaigaon at the occasion of “Karate Championship Finals of the Assam State. The delegates were also briefed about the formation of a new district called CHIRANG.
11th November 2004
BIFA Day was observed coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. In the absence of an adequate fund, BIFA had no option but to join the Dzongkhag and the Dungkhag Administration to host the above celebration. 35 member Bodo Cultural troupe was invited by BIFA. Bhutanese public were well amused by their program. Over and above only Nu.15000.00 was received from Central BIFA office in Thimphu for the occasion and was spent to pay off the pending bills of the celebration.
17th December 2004
The National Day Celebration at Gelephu was joined by the neighbors across the border. BIFA local chapter took a active part in the celebration mainly coordinating with the local authorities to welcome the Indian counterparts from Chirang, Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon districts and the BTC officials.
19th December 2004
Chhoetse Penlop, Honorable President of BIFA granted an audience to local chapter Vice-President and commanded that the local chapter must explore all means to identify 5-10 acres of land from the empty government land in and around Gelephu for building a guest house/BIFA house in the near future.
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