About VRUM

The Viswa Rajbanshi Unnayan Mancha (VRUM) began as a Facebook group in 2016, through which a limited number of humanitarian and social activities were undertaken. Along with these activities, the need was felt to bring the broader Koch Rajbanshi Kamtapuri community together. With this objective, the Facebook group was gradually transformed into a social organization and subsequently into an NGO.

Initially, block, subdivision, and district level committees were formed with interested people from all districts of North Bengal. People who are concerned about the community and committed to social welfare were encouraged to become members of the organization and NGO and work for the development and welfare of society.

The Rajbanshi community constitutes one of the largest population groups in North Bengal, Lower Assam, and adjoining parts of Bihar. In some areas, Rajbanshis constitute approximately 65%–70% of the local population. However, despite their simple and peaceful nature, lack of educational, economic, and political awareness has contributed to their gradual socio-economic disadvantage. Furthermore, the Partition of India in 1947 geographically divided the community across different regions.

At the same time, the continuous influx of people from neighbouring areas and countries has contributed to increasing socio-economic difficulties among the local Rajbanshi population. Economic and political deprivation continues to affect different sections of the community. The Viswa Rajbanshi Unnayan Mancha seeks to work towards social advancement through self-assessment, awareness, education, development, and collective initiatives, without promoting hatred or hostility towards any caste, religion, race, or community.

Goals

To promote the overall development of the broader Koch Rajbanshi Kamatapuri community through economic and social development, preservation and promotion of culture and traditions, and improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the community.

Objectives

1. Economic Development:
   Before the Partition of India, indigenous/local communities reportedly held more than 90% of the total property and land in many areas. In the present socio-economic situation, a large section of the indigenous population, including the Rajbanshi community, faces significant economic hardship, with many people living below the poverty line.
   To address this decline and improve the economic condition of the Rajbanshi community and other indigenous/local populations, the organization will undertake initiatives including:
   a) Providing training to farmers, promoting modern agricultural methods, facilitating access to affordable and low-interest loans, and giving emphasis to the development of skilled workers.
   b) Providing training and support for cottage and small-scale industries, creating awareness and opportunities, and helping establish markets for locally produced goods.
   c) Encouraging small businesses and providing appropriate training and support for entrepreneurship.
   d) Establishing the organization's own cooperative system so that farmers, artisans, industries, and small businesses can obtain financial assistance and loans at affordable and low interest rates.
2. Help and Cooperation:
   Due to economic hardship and poverty, a significant number of disadvantaged and distressed people are found within the Rajbanshi community. In addition, every year many talented Rajbanshi students and sportspersons are unable to continue their education or pursue their sporting potential because of financial difficulties.
   VRUM (Viswa Rajbanshi Unnayan Mancha) will come forward whenever possible to assist people who are economically disadvantaged or otherwise in need of support.
3. Preservation and Promotion of Culture:
   The distinctive culture of the Koch Rajbanshi community is unique and rich, but due to inadequate practice, awareness, and preservation, many traditional cultural practices are gradually disappearing.
   Therefore, the organization will work towards preserving, promoting, practicing, documenting, and modernizing traditional cultural forms such as Chunni, Mecheni, Manashiksha, Palatiya, Bishohori, Tuksha, Kushan, along with Bhawaiya music and traditional dances. Training, cultural practice, promotion, documentation, and wider dissemination of these traditions will be encouraged.
   
   The Rajbanshi community also has a diverse culinary heritage and a rich variety of traditional foods. Its worship of traditional deities, religious practices, festivals, and seasonal celebrations also demonstrate considerable cultural diversity.
   The organization will create opportunities for the revival, preservation, promotion, and wider recognition of this diverse cultural heritage.
4. Preservation of Heritage:
   a) To preserve and modernize historically significant places, properties, and monuments — including former royal or zamindar residences, temples, ponds, hospitals, gardens, and other heritage sites — the organization may establish trusts and bring such matters to the attention of the appropriate administrative authorities.
   b) To organize and facilitate local religious festivals, cultural events, and traditional celebrations where endangered or disappearing cultural practices can be displayed, practiced, and promoted.
5. Talent Development:
   In addition to financial assistance, the organization will provide necessary support for the development of talented students, sportspersons, and other individuals with potential, so that their abilities can be developed and their achievements can contribute to society.
6. Employment and Skill Training:
   The organization will provide information regarding government and private-sector employment opportunities and arrange appropriate training and skill-development programs to help individuals become better prepared for employment and career opportunities.
7. Recognition and Awards:
   The organization will appropriately recognize and honour individuals who have contributed to the advancement and reputation of the community and society.
   Such recognition may include talented sportspersons, students, successful farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, businesspersons, and individuals who have performed outstanding work in any other field.
   VRUM (Viswa Rajbanshi Unnayan Mancha) will provide appropriate recognition and encouragement to such individuals and highlight their achievements as an inspiration for others.
8. Protest Against Injustice:
   The organization will bring incidents of injustice, oppression, abuse, or acts that undermine the dignity and rights of members of society to the attention of the appropriate administrative authorities.
   Where necessary and appropriate, the organization may take lawful action, raise public awareness, organize peaceful protests, or develop lawful mechanisms of resistance against such injustice.

Oath for Members of All Branch Organizations, Central Committee Members, Secretary, President, Office Bearers and General Members

Every member of the Viswa Rajbanshi Unnayan Mancha shall take the following oath:

1. From today onward, as a member of the Viswa Rajbanshi Unnayan Mancha, I shall abide by all the rules, regulations, policies, principles, and restrictions of the organization.
2. I shall not engage in any conduct or activity that is contrary to, or incompatible with, the rules, principles, or dignity of the organization.
3. If I undertake any activity contrary to the principles or rules of the organization, the competent authority shall have the right to take appropriate action against me in accordance with the organization's rules and regulations.
4. If I engage in any illegal or unethical activity, I shall bear all legal and financial responsibility arising from such activity. The organization shall not be responsible for my personal legal or financial liabilities.
5. Above all, I shall respect and abide by the laws and Constitution of India and shall uphold social harmony, peace, mutual respect, and communal harmony.
6. I shall not directly or indirectly attempt to promote or propagate the ideology of any political party within the organization, nor shall I attempt to influence or control the organization through the ideology or interests of any political party.
7. If, while holding any position, office, committee membership, or important responsibility within the organization, I subsequently become directly associated with any political party, I shall voluntarily relinquish my membership, position, office, or responsibility within the organization.
8. I solemnly declare that I have taken this oath in a sound state of mind and with full consciousness. I have understood the contents and meaning of this oath and willingly undertake to abide by all the rules and principles stated herein.

Motto