Tripura, 19 Jan 2026: The 48th Kokborok Day was celebrated today under the initiative of the Department of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages. On this occasion, a cultural programme was organised at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, which was attended by Dr. Atul Debbarma, Chairman of the State Kokborok Language Development Advisory Committee, and MLA Rampada Jamatia, Vice Chairman of the committee.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Atul Debbarma said that one’s mother tongue is the ultimate refuge of collective consciousness, and Kokborok Day is a matter of great pride for the people. He stated that the history of the Kokborok language is inseparably linked with the history of the Indigenous people of Tripura. While it is difficult to determine the exact origin of the Kokborok language, it is believed to have emerged when the ancestors of the Indigenous communities began settling in Tripura and this region of India. The language evolved alongside the growth of the community’s identity. He recalled that Kokborok was accorded official language status on January 19, 1979, and the day is observed every year to commemorate this historic recognition.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Rampada Jamatia urged everyone to actively practise and promote the Kokborok language. He called upon the people of the state to work collectively to further enrich the language.
During the programme, covers of four Kokborok books were unveiled. In addition, six teachers associated with Kokborok language education were felicitated for their contributions. The guests also released the souvenir ‘Yakpai’ and the literary magazine ‘Khumpui’.
The event was also addressed by Ravel Hemendra Kumar, Special Secretary of the Education Department, and Anandahari Jamatia, Director of the Department of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages.
Earlier in the day, a colourful rally was organised, which began from the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan premises, passed through various city roads, and concluded at the same venue.
Among others present at the programme were N. C. Sharma, Director of the School Education Department; Rajib Dutta, Director of the Basic Education Department; and Animesh Debbarma, Director of the Higher Education Department.
