What's Happening?
Naresh Chandra Debbarma, an octogenarian scholar from Tripura, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his extensive work in documenting the Kokborok language. Debbarma has dedicated over five decades to studying and promoting Kokborok, a tribal language of
Tripura, before it was officially recognized as a state language in 1979. Despite financial challenges, he pursued his passion for the language, authoring 34 books in Kokborok, Bengali, and English. His work focuses on the history, grammar, and evolution of Kokborok, aiming to preserve and promote the language through research and documentation.
Why It's Important?
Debbarma's recognition underscores the importance of preserving indigenous languages, which are crucial for maintaining cultural heritage and identity. His efforts highlight the challenges faced by minority languages in gaining recognition and support. The award brings attention to the need for more scholarly work in Kokborok to ensure its survival and growth. It also emphasizes the role of individual dedication in cultural preservation, inspiring others to contribute to the documentation and promotion of their native languages.
What's Next?
The recognition of Debbarma's work may encourage further research and publication in Kokborok, potentially leading to its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This could enhance the language's status and support its development. The ongoing debate over the script used for Kokborok may continue, with discussions on adopting an indigenous or Indian-origin script. The focus will likely remain on increasing the body of scholarly work to support the language's evolution and integration into educational curricula.
