President Ram Nath Kovind calls for conservation and promotion of local languages

 Bodo language to be introduced as medium of instruction in Class XI and XII: CM

OUR BUREAU

GUWAHATI/ GORE-SWAR/SHILLONG: President Ram Nath Kovind today said that the conservation and promotion of local languages was the responsibility of the society and the government. He appealed to the Government of Assam to make efforts to promote Bodo language. The President graced the 61st annual conference of Bodo Sahitya Sabha held at Gwjwn Fwthar in Tamulpur.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said, "The love and respect of the North Indian people pull me here. Language, literature and culture blossom and prosper people's heart of a society. More than 35 lakhs of people speak the Bodo language in Assam. The Bodo language is also spoken in Bangladesh, Tripura, West Bengal, Sikkim and in many parts of India. The love for the mother tongue pulled many representatives to this session from other parts of the State today. The newly-created Tamulpur district is another milestone of this area."

The President said that he had an old relation with the Bodos. "I have good relations with UG Brahma, SK Bwiswmuthiary and many other Bodo leaders," he said. The President said that the atmosphere of harmony and peace in the region was becoming stronger with the joint efforts of the Union and State governments of the north-eastern region. He noted that developmental works had an important role in this change. He appreciated the Central Government, State Government and residents of the region for this change.

The President noted that the month of May was very important for the Bodo people as they remember Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma on May 1 which is his death anniversary. He said that Bodofa had spread the message of "live and let live". His message of maintaining harmony with all communities while conscious of Bodo self-pride will be forever relevant.

The President appreciated Bodo Sahitya Sabha for making invaluable contribution for past 70 years in strengthening the Bodo language, literature and culture. He said that the founder-president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Joy Bhadra Hagzer and general secretary Sonaram Thosen had made commendable efforts in recognition of the Bodo language.

The President was happy to note that the works of other languages were being translated into Bodo language with great enthusiasm. He said that it was the characteristic of any vibrant literary community. He expressed confidence that such translated literature would give an opportunity to the readers of Bodo language to get acquainted with other Indian languages as well as world literature.

The President lauded veteran novelist and scholar Sitanath Brahma Choudhury for his strong command over both Bodo and Assamese languages and writing extensively in both languages. He said that Sitanath Brahma Choudhury also took up the respnsibility of president of Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX).

The President further said that to keep any literature alive and relevant, the participation of the younger generation was very important. Therefore, special encouragement should also be given to young writers by Bodo Sahitya Sabha.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the 61st annual conference of Bodo Sahitya Sabha as a very glorious occasion because for the first time in the history of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, the President of India had graced it. The Chief Minister on the occasion also paid his tributes to the first president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha Jaychandra Hagjer, its first general secretary Sonaram Thaosen and all other stalwarts for their role in establishing Bodo Sahitya Sabha on November 16, 1952, which over the years has become an important organization for the promotion of Bodo language and literature.

The Chief Minister also said, "Our State is home to different ethnic groups. The beautiful languages of these ethnic communities have not only enriched the larger Assamese society but also given a unique dimension to our overall being. Without the development of language and literature of every small ethnic community, our progress as a unified entity will not be successful. Therefore, for preserving, enriching, professing and propagating the language and literature of each of these ethnic groups, we must move at a more systematic manner."

He said that considering the immense role played by Bodo Sahitya Sabha and the number of people in Assam speak the Bodo language, the State Government has already made the Bodo language an associate official language. Moreover, he announced that Bodo language would be introduced as a medium of instruction in Class XI and Class XII. Gradually it will be replicated in graduation and postgraduation level.

Chief Minister Sarma announced that the Government of Assam would provide Rs 50 lakh to each district dominated by Bodo-speaking people for setting up of the office of Bodo Sahitya Sabha. His government will also give Rs 5 crore as revolving fund to Bodo Sahiyta Sabha to help it to intensify its activities for the enrichment and promotion of Bodo language and literature by professing and propagating them.

Speaking on the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that 'language' defines the identity of a tribe. "It is our identity as a tribe as a community and therefore, the importance of language cannot be measured," he said.

Lauding the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), he said, "We all are inspired to see how Bodos have ensured that their language moves ahead, it is nurtured, and documented." The Chief Minister took the opportunity to apprise the President of India on the inclusion of Khasi and Garo language in the Eight Schedule. He also spoke on the similarities between the Garo and Bodo languages, while advocating strongly for inclusion of Garo and Khasi languages in the Eight Schedule.

"I strongly feel that inclusion of languages of different tribes and different communities will only lead to a stronger integration of this very diverse but great nation of ours," he said.

He further urged the President of India to support the people's aspiration of the Northeast and to ensure that languages from the region are included in the Eight Schedule to protect and promote the language and identity of the people.

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