Nine-year-old Binita Chetry from Assam has captured the hearts of a nation and earned accolades from its leaders after securing the second runner-up position on "Britain's Got Talent" (BGT). Her journey, from a small village in Karbi Anglong to the global stage, has been nothing short of inspirational, culminating in a wave of congratulatory messages, including one from Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The young dancing sensation's performance in the reality show finale on Saturday night mesmerized audiences, marking her as the first contestant from India to reach the final stage of the competition. While British magician Harry Moulding ultimately took home the top prize, and LED dance group 'The Blackouts' secured second place, Binita's achievement resonated deeply with people across India.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media platform X to express his pride and congratulate Binita on her accomplishment. "Dancing her way to glory. Many congratulations to our very own #BinitaChetry on securing the 3rd spot at #BGTFinal," he wrote. Sarma further added, "Her performances have mesmerised audiences from the Brahmaputra to the Thames and made us all proud," wishing her the best in her future endeavors. The Chief Minister's words highlight the significance of Binita's achievement in showcasing Assam's talent on an international platform.
Binita, in a video posted on BGT's official social media channels, expressed her gratitude to her supporters and social media followers, particularly those in the United Kingdom, for their votes and encouragement. She also acknowledged the support she received from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other Asian countries, which she said gave her the strength to progress on the global stage. Notably, she conveyed her appreciation to Chief Minister Sarma, expressing her wish to meet him personally to thank him for his support and blessings.
Beyond the Chief Minister's support, Binita also received financial assistance of ₹5 lakh from Tuliram Ronghang, the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), for her finale preparations. Local MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Numal Momin, also extended his support to the young talent.
Prior to her success on "Britain's Got Talent," Binita's talent was recognized by her father, who arranged for her dance training in Guwahati and Jaipur. She trained under the guidance of her aunt, Amrita Devi, and choreographer Hardik Rawat. Her intricate dance routines, which included challenging moves like backflips, consistently drew applause from the judges and audience throughout her BGT journey. Judge David Walliams once praised her as having "the strength of a tiger and the precision of a boa constrictor," recognizing her unique blend of modern and Indian dance styles.
Earlier in March, after Binita's initial audition wowed the judges, Chief Minister Sarma had shared her video on social media, expressing his hope that she would win enough to buy her "pink princess house," referencing Binita's innocent wish when asked what she would do with the prize money. Industrialist Anand Mahindra also lauded her performance as "world-class," praising her discipline and determination.
Binita Chetry's success story is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the unwavering support she received from her family, community, and leaders. Her journey on "Britain's Got Talent" has not only brought pride to Assam but has also inspired countless others to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
