BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th February 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday urged Tripura to adopt the Devanagari script for the Kokborok language, emphasizing that using a common script can strengthen cultural identity and preserve linguistic heritage.
Speaking at the Eastern, North-Eastern, and Northern Regional Rajbhasha Sammelan at the International Indoor Exhibition Centre in Hapania, Shah highlighted Tripura’s multilingual landscape, where Bangla, Kokborok, and Hindi are widely spoken.
“In Tripura, all three languages coexist without conflict, and each is progressing. The Devanagari script can serve as a unifying base for local dialects and preserve the rich linguistic heritage of the region,” he said. Shah cited the example of notable figures from the North East, including Bhupen Hazarika, S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, and Zubeen Garg, who promoted regional recognition through Hindi.
Shah emphasized that adopting Devanagari could help safeguard over 2,000 dialects spoken across India, aligning with earlier advocacy by Vinoba Bhave. He said, “Strengthening the Devanagari script movement ensures these dialects survive and thrive for future generations.”
He also highlighted the North East’s progress from past unrest to today’s growth in tourism and investment, stating that the region’s diversity—comprising more than 200 languages, over 200 indigenous communities, 160 sub-tribes, and 50 unique festivals—makes it ideal for promoting Indian languages.
Shah concluded by urging communities to embrace Devanagari as a way to preserve their cultural and linguistic identity while supporting development.
