Agartala: The Kokborok Sahitya Sabha (KBSS), Tripura’s prominent literary organization, on Sunday officially adopted a modified Roman script as the standard writing system for the Kokborok language.
The Sabha (KBSS), which represents Kokborok authors, poets, and thinkers, made the declaration at the 53rd Annual Conference of KBSS held at Dasarath Deb Memorial Hall in Suparibagan, Agartala.
Notably, Kokborok is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Tripura.
The decision of the KBSS marks a significant milestone in resolving a decades-long debate over the script for the language.
Bikashrai Debbarma, Chairman of the KBSS Advisory Committee, said: “We have finalised the use of a modified Roman script that better suits the phonetic structure of Kokborok. Though based on the Roman alphabet, certain changes have been introduced to reflect the unique sounds of our language, distinct from the standard Roman script used globally.”
In addition to the script declaration, KBSS passed several key resolutions aimed at promoting and protecting Kokborok.
The second resolution calls for the immediate and full implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates mother tongue instruction at the elementary level.
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.
“This step is essential to preserve and promote our linguistic identity among future generations,” Debbarma added.
Another significant proposal was the creation of a dedicated Kokborok Academy. This institution would oversee standardisation efforts and provide guidance for curriculum development and linguistic research.
The KBSS 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.
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Moreover, the Sabha warned that failure to comply with this demand could lead to widespread protests.
“This is a historic step toward preserving our cultural and linguistic identity,” Debbarma stated, adding, “We urge the government to act on our resolutions to ensure Kokborok thrives for generations to come.”
