Descendant of tea pioneer crowned new Singpho chief

Dibrugarh: In a historic ceremony steeped in tradition, Bisa Mungdang Gam Singpho was coronated as the 8th chief (raja) of the Singpho community on Saturday at Bisa village in Assam's Tinsukia district. The event marked the continuation of a legacy that dates back two centuries, when his ancestor Bisa Gam Singpho first introduced tea to the British, altering the course of Assam's and India's economic history. The coronation ceremony, held with traditional Buddhist rituals, saw the presence of dignitaries, including Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma, Margherita Assistant Commissioner Pratim Gogoi. Buddhist monks (Vantes) conducted the religious rites, invoking blessings for the new chief and the community. The new chief will oversee Singpho affairs across three regions — Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India, and neighbouring Kachin State in Myanmar — highlighting the cross-border nature of the community's cultural connections that predate modern national boundaries.The Singpho community's connection with tea is legendary. In 1823, Bisa Gam Singpho, an ancestor of the newly coronated chief, showed wild tea bushes to Scottish explorer Robert Bruce in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley. This discovery led to the commercial cultivation of tea in Assam, with the first 12 chests of Assam tea reaching London auctions shortly after. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for the Assam Company India Limited (ACIL), the first tea plantation company in India and the world. The new chief, Bisa Mungdang Gam Singpho, is the eldest son of the late Bisa Nong Singpho, who passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 76. The former chief was widely respected for his efforts in uniting communities and preserving Singpho culture. His last rites were performed with state honours, reflecting his significant contributions. Speaking after his coronation, the new chief expressed his commitment to upholding his father's legacy. "It is an honour and a great responsibility to lead our community. My father worked tirelessly to preserve our culture and strengthen bonds between communities. I will continue his mission while also addressing the challenges our people face today," he said. Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma praised the Singpho community's historical and cultural significance. "The Singpho people have made immeasurable contributions to our region. Their ancestor's introduction of tea to the British transformed Assam's economy and put India on the global tea map. Today's ceremony is a reminder of that legacy. The coronation of the new chief is a moment of pride for the people of Assam," he remarked.