By our correspondent
Agartala, January 18, 2019: All the languages are complimentary to each other – literary works of different languages are being translated in other languages and such works are necessary for the development of any languages. State Revenue Minister NC Debbarma said this after inaugurating two-day long 41st Kokborok Diwas in Agartala today.
Among others, Education Minister Ratan lal Nath and Forest Minister Mebar Kumar Jamatia were also present in the inaugural programme. Speakers highlighted development of one’s mother tongue for survival of one’s traditional culture, custom and community. Distinguished guests also urged the young generation of tribal communities to draw inspirations from Indian greats.
NC Debbarma said, “Indigenous people are using Kokbarok as their primary language. In the era of Globalization, one has to take initiative to improve one’s mother tongue along with cultural tradition for survival of one’s clan”. In his speech, NC Debbarma stressed on nurturing tribal languages, custom, tradition and cultural heritage.
As part of celebration of Kokbarok Diwas seminar on ‘Past, present and future of Kokbarok’, Kabi Sammelon, reading out short stories, quiz and drama were held on the first day of two-day celebration.
Speaking at the programme, State Education Minister Ratan lal Nath said, present dispensation is eyeing at ‘Ek Tripura, Shresta Tripura’ – the Government is paying equal importance to evry language. He also recalled contribution several tribal and non-tribal eminent persons – Sudhanya Debbarma, Shayamlal Debbarma Chandra Kanta Murasing, Snehamoy Roy Choudhury, Santimoy Chakraborty and Kumud Kundu Choudhury etc – in improving the Kokbarok language. Nath also shed lights on number of schools under State and ADC administration as well as 22 Degree Colleges in which students can pursue education in Kokbarok medium.
- 23 pc of population speak in Kokborok
- School education in Kokborok at 93 schools under State Govt
- In ADC, same available in 1207 schools
- Education in Kokborok in 22 degree colleges
In his speech, Forest Minister Mebar Kumar Jamatia said, Kokbarok language was adopted and recognized as one of the State Languages on January 19, 1979. Stressing on focusing on tribal education, Jamatia said, “Tribal youths need to pursue higher education. Present BJP-IPFT led Government took initiative in this direction. State has sent 60 tribal students to other states for training for IAS examination. Meanwhile, Central Government has sanctioned 18 more Eklabya Model Residential Schools out of which financial sanctions have been obtained for 10 such schools. The Minister said, tribal youths must focus on study shunning external show offs.
In an attempt to encourage youth generation of tribal communities, he talked about great Indian personalities and urged youths to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda and APJ Abdul Kalam.
