Kokborok Sahitya Sabha adopts modified Roman script for Kokborok, Tripura’s indigenous language, to resolve a decades-long debate. Learn about the historic decision, and other proposed educational reforms
Agartala, May 25, 2025: The Kokborok Sahitya Sabha (KBSS), a prominent literary organization of Tripura representing Kokborok authors, poets, and thinkers, announced on Sunday the adoption of a modified Roman script as the official writing system for Kokborok.
Notably, Kokborok is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Tripura. The decision was made during the 53rd Annual Conference at Dasarath Deb Memorial Hall in Suparibagan, Agartala. The decision of the KBSS marks a significant milestone in resolving a decades-long debate over the script for the language.
Bikashrai Debbarma, the Chairman of the KBSS advisory committee, addressed the media on Sunday and outlined five key resolutions passed during the conference. The centerpiece is the adoption of a tailored Roman script, customized to capture the phonetic and linguistic nuances of Kokborok.
“This modified script reflects the unique sounds of our language, distinct from the standard Roman script used globally,” Debbarma said, emphasizing that the decision aims to standardize and preserve the linguistic heritage of Kokborok.
The conference of the Kokborok Sahitya Sabha (KBSS) also addressed other critical educational reforms. Citing Clause 4(11) of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates primary education in a child’s mother tongue as a constitutional right, the KBSS criticized the state government’s delay in implementing the policy, now in its fifth year. The organization demanded that all children in Tripura receive primary education in their native languages, with a specific call to make Kokborok a compulsory subject from Class I to Class XII across all educational boards.
Further, the KBSS urged the establishment of a dedicated Kokborok Academy to standardize and promote the language. The organization also called for the publication of Kokborok textbooks in both Bengali and the newly adopted modified Roman script, pressing the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and the Directorate of Minority Language to act swiftly. Debbarma warned that failure to meet this demand would lead to widespread protests.
The issue of script selection for Kokborok has long been contentious, sparking protests without lasting resolutions. The KBSS’s stance could reignite discussions, but Debbarma expressed optimism that the modified Roman script would unify stakeholders and strengthen the language’s future.
“This is a historic step toward preserving our cultural and linguistic identity,” Debbarma said. “We urge the government to act on our resolutions to ensure Kokborok thrives for generations to come.”
Earlier a few months ago, the Tripura Government has established a Script Selection Committee under the Tribal Research and Cultural Institute of the Tribal Welfare Department to advance the development of the Kokborok language, the most widely spoken indigenous tongue in the state. This initiative aims to evaluate and recommend the most suitable script for Kokborok, ensuring its preservation and growth within the indigenous community.
The committee, as outlined in an official state notification, comprises three members, namely Dr. Atul Debbarma, a former MLA, who will serve as the convener; Biralal Tripura, Headmaster of Dhumacherra School in Ambassa, as a member; and Dhirendra Kaloi, a retired Tripura State Government employee, also as a member. Their primary task is to assess various script options and identify the one best suited for Kokborok speakers. The committee is tasked with preparing a comprehensive report with recommendations, which will be submitted to the Minister of Tribal Welfare for further governmental action.
To ensure effective collaboration, the convener is responsible for organizing regular meetings among the members. The government has directed the committee to commence its work promptly, signaling urgency in addressing the longstanding issue. Currently, Kokborok is written in both Bengali and Roman scripts, and the push for a standardized writing system has gained momentum to enhance its formal use in education, governance, and daily communication.
| Earlier Post: Kokborok script issue in Tripura, Students’ body withdraw Mar 24 protest program |
The formation of this committee marks a significant step toward resolving the decades-long debate over Kokborok’s script. By fostering a unified approach, the government demonstrates its commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of Tripura’s indigenous communities. The committee’s findings are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Kokborok language, influencing its integration into educational curricula, administrative functions, and everyday life.
