80 Official Language Awards Conferred at Agartala Rajbhasha Sammelan
Agartala Feb 20: The Hapania International Fair Ground was transformed into a vibrant hub of linguistic pride as Agartala played host to the Joint Regional Official Language Conference (Rajbhasha Sammelan). The venue, elegantly decorated for the occasion, served as the backdrop for a day dedicated to the evolution and celebration of India’s diverse tongues.
A High-Profile Inauguration
Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially opened the summit, joined by a distinguished assembly of leaders and academics. The stage featured Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, MoS Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and MPs Biplab Kumar Deb and Kriti Singh Debbarma. Also in attendance were Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Professor Milan Rani Jamatia from Tripura University, Dr. B. P. Philip of the Nagri Lipi Parishad, and Anshuli Arya, Secretary of the Department of Official Language.
Technology with a Human Touch
In a moving segment of the program, AI-powered Smart Vision Glasses were presented to five visually impaired individuals, including two students from Agartala.
These innovative devices are engineered to convert written text—including Hindi and Bengali—into audio, allowing users to navigate their surroundings more independently. The Home Minister explained that this voice-activated technology does more than just read; it can describe the wearer’s environment and provide real-time multilingual translations, serving as a vital bridge to the world.
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
A cornerstone of the morning session was the distribution of 80 Regional Official Language Awards for the 2024-25 period, IANS reported. These accolades recognized central government offices, financial institutions, and public undertakings for their superior commitment to implementing official language policies.
The Department of Official Language also unveiled several cutting-edge digital tools:
Bharati (Bahubhashi Anuvada Sarthi): A multilingual translation assistant.
Kanthasth: A translation system based on memory-retention technology.
Hindi Shabd-Sindhu: A comprehensive digital linguistic resource.