All languages need to be nurtured: Tripura CM Manik Saha

Dr. Saha highlighted the alignment of state initiatives with the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing the importance of multilingual education.

A massive Korborok outreach following the recent script controversy, Chief Minister Manik Saha today said that his government is committed to nurturing and developing all languages including Kokborok.

Addressing a gathering in Agartala at an event to mark the International Mother Language Day, Dr Saha stressed on the equal importance of every language and the need for their development and recognition.

Highlighting initiatives undertaken since assuming power in 2018, Dr. Saha noted that eight different languages, including Kokborok, are taught in various schools across the state. Kokborok language education is provided in over 12,000 elementary schools, 115 high schools, and 65 higher secondary schools, with free textbooks distributed to students from Class 1-8 and beyond.

An advisory committee was established in 2022 to address the Kokborok script debate, which gained attention in the state assembly.

Besides Kokborok, other tribal languages like Chakma, Manipuri, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Halam, Kuki, Mog, and Garo are taught in state-run schools, catering to the linguistic diversity of different communities.
Dr. Saha highlighted the alignment of state initiatives with the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing the importance of multilingual education.

Moreover, he announced that students could now write competitive exams, including the Teaching Eligibility Test (TET) and Judicial Service exams, in Kokborok.

Meantime, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala, Arif Mohammad, paid tribute to language martyrs and emphasized the pride and significance of mother tongues in preserving cultural heritage.
The Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Tripura Education Department, and Bangladesh Assistant High Commission jointly organized a colorful rally from Agartala Town Hall to commemorate International Mother Language Day, culminating in floral tributes at the martyrs’ tomb.

International Mother Language Day, established by UNESCO in 1999 and observed annually since February 2000, aims to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
Earlier in the day, a vibrant procession involving participants from various ethnic and linguistic groups, adorned in traditional attire, marked the occasion.

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