“Bharat Ki Beti, Axom Kanya” Binita Chetry
In a moment of immense pride for India—especially Assam’s Gorkha community—Binita Chetry, affectionately known as “Bharat ki Beti, Axom Kanya”, returned home today to a jubilant reception after emerging as the 2nd Runner-Up in Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious international reality talent competitions.
Binita touched down at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, early this morning, welcomed by resounding cheers, traditional Gorkha and Assamese music, and a sea of well-wishers bearing flowers, banners, and the Indian flag. The celebration marked not just her monumental global achievement, but also her inspiring journey rooted in perseverance, passion, and pride.
A Historic Achievement on the Global Stage
Binita Chetry made history as the first Indian finalist and only the second Asian artist ever to secure a top-three finish in BGT’s 18-season legacy. Her performances—marked by a unique fusion of Indian classical and folk traditions with global styles—captivated judges and audiences across continents.
From her emotionally stirring rendition of “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” in the semi-finals to her electrifying finale performance that merged Hindustani classical raag with operatic grandeur, Binita earned standing ovations in every round. The British media praised her as “a cultural bridge between East and West.” BGT judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon hailed her as “a global ambassador of Indian talent” and “the voice of a new India.” On social media, hashtags like #BinitaForTheWin and #AxomKanya trended across India and the UK during the finale.
At the airport to receive Binita were dignitaries, community leaders, and enthusiastic supporters, including Shri Prem Tamang, Hon’ble Chairman, Gorkha Development Council (GDC), Government of Assam, Representatives from the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, Shri Nanda Kirati Dewan, General Secretary, Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Assam, Shri Numal Chetry, General Secretary, All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU), Leaders from various Gorkha Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Members of the Binita Chetry Support Group, who mobilized global backing for her journey
The welcome ceremony featured Gorkha folk dances, patriotic songs, and warm cultural gestures such as offering traditional khadas (ceremonial scarves). Visibly emotional, Binita bowed to the crowd and said, ‘ “This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to every girl from a small town who dares to dream. I carried Assam, India, and the Gorkha community in my skills. Thank you for believing in me.”
Roots in Assam, Voice for the World
Hailing from Amrajan of Bokajan Karbi Anglong Assam Binita’s musical roots lie in her early training in Hindustani classical music and performances at local festivals. Her life changed when she was selected in a pan-India audition in Mumbai by international talent scouts representing BGT. Her participation was strengthened by a grassroots campaign led by her supporters and Gorkha community organizations across India and abroad. Following her BGT success, Binita has received invitations to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London, and several international music festivals later this year.
Community and Government Honours
On behalf of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Nanda Kirati Dewan General Secretary of Assam State BGP also Co-ordinator of the Binita Chetry Support Group, congratulated her and acknowledged her feat as a historic milestone for the global Gorkha community. He extended heartfelt gratitude to voters from the UK and supporters worldwide, calling Binita’s achievement “a win not just for Assam or the Gorkhas, but for all of India on the global cultural stage.”
Shri Prem Tamang, Chairman of the Gorkha Development Council, also extended warm congratulations on behalf of the Government of Assam, acknowledging Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for his encouragement and financial assistance through Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to support Binita’s preparation as a finalist. Tamang called Binita’s triumph “a beacon of inspiration that reflects the rising global presence of India’s young talent.” CM Himanta Biswa Sarma is slated to meet Binita and her parents later in the evening at Lok Sewa Bhawan as confirmed by Prem Tamang.
A Legacy Begins
In recognition of her achievement, the Government of Assam and national cultural institutions are expected to felicitate Binita in the coming weeks. Additionally, the Gorkha Development Council and Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh have jointly announced the creation of a scholarship fund in her name, aimed at nurturing young Gorkha talents in music and the performing arts.
As she steps back onto her homeland’s soil, Binita Chetry carries with her not only a global title but also the hopes and dreams of a generation inspired by her voice, her story, and her unyielding spirit.
