By TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th January 2025: Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced that the state government is actively considering the inclusion of the Kokborok language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to promote its development.
Speaking on the occasion of the 47th Kokborok Diwas at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, Minister Nath, a former Education Minister, stated, “Our primary goal is to ensure the inclusion of Kokborok in the Eighth Schedule, which is crucial for its growth. This will be pursued in accordance with constitutional provisions. There is also a demand to adopt the Roman script for Kokborok, and we respect this sentiment. A dedicated committee is examining the matter.”
He highlighted the efforts made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government since coming to power to celebrate Kokborok Diwas on a larger scale, extending the observance to block and sub-divisional levels, as well as in schools.
“We have introduced Kokborok as a subject from Class 1 to the university level, including its inclusion in CBSE curricula and Judicial Services. We aim for the progress of all languages and are delighted to celebrate Kokborok Language Day together,” Nath said.
He noted that Kokborok is currently taught in approximately 1,296 schools, from Class 1 to Class 12, with over 12,000 students learning the language. “Developing a language benefits the state and its people. I urge everyone to nurture their mother tongue while respecting other languages. We have renamed Baramura Hills to Hatai Kotor and Gandacherra to Ganda Twisa, honoring Kokborok heritage. Many indigenous languages, like Karbong, are on the brink of extinction. When a language disappears, its culture and society are at risk,” he added.
Nath emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening all languages, particularly those of indigenous communities, for the enrichment of the state’s cultural fabric.