Agartala: Jan 19: Amid growing demands for the recognition of Roman script alongside Bengali script for Kokborok, Tripura marked the 47th Kokborok Day on Sunday with vibrant celebrations to commemorate the language’s initial recognition as an official language in 1979.
A grand procession in Agartala set the tone for the day, featuring students from various educational institutions dressed in traditional attire representing the indigenous communities. Non-tribal students also participated, showcasing unity and cultural harmony.
The colorful procession began at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan and meandered through the streets of the capital city.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who despite a non-tribal is fluent in the language, emphasized the government’s dedication to the preservation and promotion of Kokborok, describing language as “a community’s identity, akin to a mother’s milk for an infant.”
He warned that the loss of a language could lead to the gradual extinction of the community and reiterated the state government’s commitment to reviving Kokborok through various initiatives.
Nath, the former Education Minister of the state highlighted the significant strides made since the BJP-led government came to power in 2018.
He added Kokborok is now taught in 1,296 schools, from Class 1 to 12, with over 12,000 students enrolled. The government has created 22 posts for Kokborok professors in colleges, including four reserved for SC candidates. Kokborok is also offered as a subject up to the PhD level at Tripura University.
Again Kokborok postgraduate teachers have been appointed, and the language is included in TET, CBSE curriculum, and judicial services and moreover, the government has introduced digital platforms for those interested in learning Kokborok.
Addressing the contentious demand for recognizing Roman script alongside Bengali script, Minister Nath stated that the matter is under the purview of a committee. “While the government acknowledges the demand, it cannot make an abrupt decision. Our primary focus is to include Kokborok in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said.
Nath also stressed that the government is not inclined to adopt any foreign script and will adhere to constitutional guidelines.
He said that to counter the erosion of Kokborok terms and names due to the dominance of larger languages, the government has undertaken an initiative to rename various places in Tripura with their original Kokborok names.
Kokborok is the primary language of the Tripuri people in Tripura with over 10 lakh people use it here beside in neighboring areas of Bangladesh.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, the language has faced neglect over the years. However, Minister Nath claimed current government’s efforts aim to ensure its survival and growth in the modern era.
As the state celebrates Kokborok Day, the focus remains on fostering the language’s growth and addressing the concerns of its speakers, paving the way for a more inclusive linguistic future.
