BTR Communication Bridge: Bond of Language, Bridge of the Heart

Dr. Saumen Bharatiya

In my childhood, I had a strange addiction to collecting autographs. Getting autographs from loved ones or elders was like an unwritten habit. Once, I went to get an autograph from my elder brother, and he wrote a few words, ‘Go to the book, it’s all there.’ At that time, I may not have understood the meaning of those words, but as I grew older, I realised that there was a deep message of life hidden in those few words. Even today, that feeling comes back when I get a new book. Books are not just for reading; they are a unique school of life’s happiness, sorrow, pain, love, compassion and understanding. Life unfolds on the pages of books. And if that book is from someone I know personally, then it doesn’t matter. A few days ago, I witnessed just such a moment, a wonderful book gifted by Zahid Ahmed Tapadar. The book is ‘BTR Communication Bridge.’

Here, words and sentences of 18 common languages of the Bodoland Territorial Region, have been compiled - Assamese, Bengali, Bado, Hindi, Garo, Hajong, Khorta, Rajbangshi, Rabha, Deshi, Nepali, Madahi, Mundari, Kurukh, Odia, Sadhri, Santali, Burman Kachari etc. Each language is like a story of a different nation. The attempt to bring together so many languages in one book is undoubtedly a historic achievement. This collection is not just a translation, but it is a sincere effort to create a connection of hearts through language. This initiative of Zahid Ahmed Tapadar has deeply moved me. I remembered the words of our beloved Professor Usharanjan Bhattacharya Sir. He said, ‘Translation is love, affection.’ Translation is not merely a conversion of one language into another—a mechanical exercise in sentence formation—but an expression of deep emotion, a language of spiritual communion. That heartfelt love of Zahid Ahmed Tapadar is clearly reflected on every page of this book.

BTR Communication Bridge is not just a linguistic tool—it is a visionary step towards social harmony, inclusivity, and intercultural dialogue. Designed as a functional linguistic resource, the book compiles 1001 everyday words and 1001 essential sentences across 18 regional languages spoken in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam. Edited and compiled by Zahid Ahmed Tapadar, the book is a landmark contribution aimed at facilitating basic communication and mutual understanding among diverse communities within the region. As reflected in the words of BTC CEM Pramod Boro and Principal Secretary Akash Deep, the initiative celebrates the linguistic heritage of BTR while making communication accessible in schools, health centres, markets, and public offices.

The BTR is home to a richly diverse population, representing a spectrum of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Communication, in such a context, often becomes a barrier to social cohesion and civic engagement. This book seeks to bridge that very gap—by offering a shared communicative resource for multilingual interaction in daily life.

But the book is more than utilitarian. It subtly reinforces the spirit of unity in diversity, providing a linguistic space where Bodo, Assamese, Rabha, Santhali, Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and many other languages coexist in practical synergy.

Zahid Ahmed Tapadar, views the book as a modest but deeply meaningful step toward unity and inclusion in the BTR. He emphasises that this publication is not just a translation manual, but a symbol of collective aspirations—a bridge connecting diverse linguistic and cultural communities in the region. Tapadar acknowledges that translation is not merely about converting words, but about uniting hearts, values, and hopes. He draws attention to the George Steiner quote featured in the book: “Without translation, we would be living in provinces bordering on silence.” This, he says, perfectly captures the spirit of the initiative.

The BTR Communication Bridge uniquely captures the transformative journey of the Bodoland Territorial Region —a region once marked by decades of unrest, displacement, and ethnic conflict. For years, the people of Bodoland experienced insurgency, deep social fragmentation, and mistrust, leaving a lasting impact on communal cohesion and emotional well-being.  The signing of the historic Bodoland Peace Accord on January 27, 2020, was a turning point. It symbolised not just the end of violence, but the beginning of a promise to rebuild lives, restore relationships, and nurture aspirations. Emerging from this hope was the Bodoland Happiness Mission, envisioned by theCEM Pramod Boro. The Mission centers peacebuilding, participatory development, cultural restoration, and people-first governance at the heart of BTR’s renewed identity.

In 2024, the BTR Government undertook an unprecedented initiative—creating Community Vision Documents for all 26 communities of BTR. For the first time, each community was empowered to articulate its own dreams, challenges, and expectations. These documents revealed a common yearning: a desire to be included, acknowledged, and respected.

In response, the government launched a holistic and inclusive governance model— introducing the BTR Communication Bridge, Community Museums, a restricted holiday calendar recognising all 26 communities, the Bodoland Lifetime Achievers Awards – Folk Culture 2025, and the Bodoland Engaged Ethnography Project. These efforts symbolise a new governance philosophy—one that sees community vision as vital policy input and diversity as a cherished strength.

This book, filled with beautiful visuals and rich linguistic content, provides everyday words and sentences across 18 regional languages. It includes essentials like colours, time, numbers, and daily-use expressions related to social services, culture, events, and rituals. It also offers informative segments on BTR’s history, geography, and cultural heritage—from the traditional foods and musical instruments of the Bodos to the GI-tagged traditional beverages and clothing.

The historical evolution of Bodoland—its journey through the 1993, 2003, and 2020 accords—is outlined thoughtfully, emphasising the formation and empowerment of the Bodoland Territorial Region as an autonomous council. Maps, cultural references, and heritage insights make this book much more than a linguistic resource; it’s a cultural document and governance milestone.

The BTR Communication Bridge stands as a symbol of healing, hope, and harmony. It reflects a region determined to move forward not just through development, but through dialogue, dignity, and diversity. By embracing every language, culture, and aspiration, the Government of BTR sets a compelling example: that true peace lies not only in ending conflict, but in fostering inclusion. This book embodies that vision—serving as a living, breathing expression of unity in diversity.

Book Review

BTR Communication Bridge

Compiled & Edited by Zahid Ahmed Tapadar

Published by: Government of BTR, Assam

Royal size, 600 pages