Padma Shri Nomination Honours Five Decades of Literary Work
Veteran Kokborok literature Naresh Chandra Dev Varma has described his Padma Shri nomination as a recognition of his lifelong contribution to literature, especially his efforts to nurture and promote Kokborok, the language spoken by most indigenous communities of Tripura.
The Centre announced his name among the 113 Padma award recipients on the eve of Republic Day, marking a significant milestone in his five-decade-long literary journey.
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Commitment to Kokborok Language and Literature
Dev Varma said he never claimed to have done enough for literature. However, he always tried his best to contribute to the growth of Kokborok literary works.
“Kokborok is the language of most of the 19 tribes of Tripura,” he said. “I consistently worked to encourage writing, research, and creative expression in the tribal language.”
Through his work, he sought to preserve linguistic heritage while also expanding the scope of Kokborok literature.
Early Life and Education
Born in the remote village of Bishramganj in the then-undivided West Tripura district, Dev Varma spent his early years in a rural setting. After completing his Class 10 examinations, he moved to Agartala to pursue further studies.
At that time, Tripura did not have a university. As a result, he went to Calcutta University for higher education, where he completed his graduation. This phase played a key role in shaping his academic and literary outlook.
Career in Government Service
After graduation, Dev Varma joined government service at the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and later retired as a joint secretary-level officer.
Despite the responsibilities of his official career, he never distanced himself from literature. Instead, he balanced administrative duties with creative and academic pursuits.
Literary Journey Spanning Five Decades
Dev Varma began his literary work at the age of 30. From that point onward, he continued writing alongside his government job.
His contributions span more than five decades and include extensive research, essays, and creative works in Kokborok as well as Bengali. Through his writings, he helped document tribal traditions, language structure, and cultural narratives.
Over time, his work gained wider recognition. In recent years, appreciation for his contribution became more prominent at both state and national levels.
Awards and Recognition
Dev Varma has received nine government awards for his contributions to literature and research. Each honour acknowledged his role in preserving and promoting indigenous language and culture.
In 2024, the Tripura government conferred on him the Tripura Bhushan, the state’s second-highest civilian award. The honour recognised his exceptional service to literature and cultural preservation.
Padma Shri Seen as Cultural Milestone
Cultural observers see Dev Varma’s Padma Shri nomination as a milestone for Kokborok literature. The recognition has brought national attention to Tripura’s indigenous language and its literary tradition.
Moreover, the nomination highlights the importance of safeguarding regional languages through sustained scholarly and creative efforts.
As Dev Varma’s work receives national recognition, many believe it will inspire younger writers to contribute to Kokborok literature and protect Tripura’s cultural heritage.